Juan Thornhill was thought to bring championship pedigree to the Browns in free agency
There are times in professional sports when things just seem cursed. Not whole franchises, although Cleveland Browns fans know that feeling, but when a certain position or drafting a player from a certain school just doesn’t work out.
For the Browns, the free safety position has taken on that feeling lately with two free agent additions, John Johnson III and Juan Thornhill, coming in with high expectations, solid reputations and proven track records… then failing. Both Thornhill and JJ3 became post-June 1st releases to spread out their cap hits from the free-agent deal that brought Cleveland hope for the free safety spot.
Johnson never regained his previous form after two seasons with the Browns but Thornhill is hoping to do so with Cleveland’s AFC North rival Pittsburgh Steelers:
Sources: Former #Browns safety Juan Thornhill is signing with the #Steelers.
A proven vet, Thornhill has 8 career INTs and 87 starts. pic.twitter.com/1dGai9Angz
— Jordan Schultz (@Schultz_Report) March 17, 2025
After four seasons with the Kansas City Chiefs, Thornhill played in just 22 games for Cleveland accumulating 103 tackles, four passes defended, three quarterback hits and one tackle for loss. Fans often questioned his effort on the field and the lack of big plays (zero turnovers or sacks) meant his contract was not worth it for the Browns to keep him around.
The Steelers secondary is led by Minkah Fitzpatrick, one of the best safeties in the NFL, with veteran DeShon Elliott at the strong safety position. Thornhill could rotate in as a third safety or provide injury insurance for Pittsburgh.