Pittsburgh Steelers sign two-time Super Bowl champion who looked checked out with AFC North rival in 2024

Cleveland had high hopes for Juan Thornhill when they signed him to a three-year deal after moving on from John Johnson III. Thornhill played two years of that contract out and the Browns moved on from him before free agency started. 

The former Kansas City Chiefs' biggest issue in Cleveland was his ability to stay healthy. In back-to-back seasons, Thornhill missed six games for the Browns. 

When on the field, Thornhill’s play was inconsistent at best. The losing ways of the Browns did not help his case at all, as he appeared to be checked out at times. In 2024, Thornhill played his best ball toward the end of the season when he was a bit healthier. 

The veteran safety isn’t going to be a name that you call home about, but he is a player who will stick his nose in on any tackle. Thornhill isn’t a ball-hawking safety but is a capable contributor when he is on the field. He has the winning experience from Kansas City and knows what it takes for a team to have a winning locker room. A vocal player that fans will love/hate depending on how he is doing on the field. 

- Brandon Little, A to Z Sports Cleveland 

Look, a lot of Steelers fans are going to say "I'd jog to if I played for the Browns" or take shots at Cleveland, but that kind of effort is never acceptable. It reminisces what we saw from key figures on the Steeler's defense against the Baltimore Ravens in the playoffs. 

So maybe Thornhill is right at home. 

In all seriousness, it's a solid depth piece for Pittsburgh. The starters at safety are obviously DeShon Elliott and Minkah Fitzpatrick, but Pittsburgh plays a lot of three-safety looks in their big nickel package and they have yet to re-sign Damontae Kazee, with Thornhill all but taking his spot. 

Sometimes a fresh start is all a player needs, and having yet to turn 30 with over six years worth of starting experience, a low-cost rental for someone with Thornhill's tape isn't a bad deal.