Steelers Poach Defender Away from Browns in Free Agency

The ex-Browns safety is staying in the AFC North.

Sep 8, 2024; Cleveland, Ohio, USA; Dallas Cowboys wide receiver Jalen Brooks (83) runs the ball against Cleveland Browns safety Juan Thornhill (1) during the second quarter at Huntington Bank Field. Mandatory Credit: Scott Galvin-Imagn Images | Scott Galvin-Imagn Images

Former Browns safety Juan Thornhill spent the last two seasons with Cleveland, but will now going to playing against the team twice a year.

NFL Network Insider Mike Garafolo reported Monday that Thornhill is signing a one-year deal with the division rival Pittsburgh Steelers.

The Browns released Thornhill on February 24; he was entering the final season of a three-year, $21 million contract that he signed in 2023. Thornhill battled reoccurring calf injuries in his two seasons in Cleveland, playing just 11 games in each of the 2023 and 2024 campaigns. He had 103 tackles and four pass breakups while wearing the orange and brown.

Thornhill was taken in the second round of the 2019 NFL Draft by Kansas City. He won two Super Bowls with the Chiefs and started 52 of the 65 games that he played in. Thornhill had eight interceptions, a forced fumble and a sack during his four seasons in Kansas City, but failed to log any of those stats in Cleveland.

With Pittsburgh, Thornhill will likely add to the Steelers' depth in the defensive backfield with Minkah Fitzpatrick as the lead free safety and DeShon Elliott starting at strong safety.

Thornhill will turn 30 years old in October.

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