In a surprising move, the Pittsburgh Steelers have released safety Juan Thornhill after their loss to the Los Angeles Chargers on “Sunday Night Football.” Thornhill, who has celebrated two Super Bowl victories with the Kansas City Chiefs, is now seeking a new opportunity in the league.
The Steelers faced the Chargers in Week 10 of the NFL season, where they suffered a disappointing 25-10 defeat. This marked a stark contrast to their previous week”s performance, where they secured a stunning win against the Indianapolis Colts. Currently, the Steelers hold a 5-4 record, and the emergence of the Baltimore Ravens as a strong competitor complicates their playoff aspirations.
On Monday, the Steelers made the decision to cut Thornhill, who had become less prominent in their defensive lineup. He had started the 2025 season but was phased out in recent games, only participating in special teams during the last two contests. The arrival of new safety Kyle Dugger from the New England Patriots appeared to have influenced this decision, pushing Thornhill further down the depth chart.
According to NFL Network”s Ian Rapoport, “The Steelers have released veteran safety Juan Thornhill, per me and Mike Garafolo, and he now heads to waivers for a fresh start. If he clears, he”ll be a free agent.” This move opens the door for other teams to claim the seasoned player, who could provide valuable depth for a squad gearing up for a playoff run.
Thornhill, originally a second-round draft pick by the Chiefs in 2019, spent four successful years in Kansas City, contributing to their Super Bowl triumphs in both the 2019 and 2022 seasons. After signing a three-year contract worth $21 million with the Cleveland Browns in the 2023 offseason, his time there was marred by calf injuries, leading to his release earlier this year.
As the NFL season progresses, Thornhill”s experience and championship pedigree could make him an attractive option for teams looking to bolster their secondary.
