The Pittsburgh Steelers and Cleveland Browns virtually traded safeties this offseason, as the former Steeler Damontae Kazee signed a free agent deal in Cleveland and Pittsburgh signed former Brown Juan Thornhill.
The Pittsburgh Steelers have made a significant move in the 2025 offseason by signing veteran safety Juan Thornhill to a one-year contract. Thornhill, a two-time Super Bowl champion with the Kansas City Chiefs, brings a wealth of postseason experience to the Steelers’ secondary. Drafted in 2019 out of Virginia, he played a pivotal role in the Chiefs’ Super Bowl LIV victory, starting all 16 regular-season games and recording three interceptions, including a pick-six.
Although an ACL injury sidelined him during the postseason that year, he returned in 2020 to contribute to the Chiefs’ Super Bowl LV appearance. In 2022, Thornhill matched his career-high with three interceptions and set a new personal best with 71 tackles. However, his tenure with the Cleveland Browns was marred by injuries, leading to his release earlier this year .
Joining the Steelers offers Thornhill an opportunity to revitalize his career alongside a formidable defensive unit. He is expected to serve as the team’s No. 3 safety, providing depth behind starters Minkah Fitzpatrick and DeShon Elliott. This strategic addition aims to bolster the Steelers’ defense, which has been seeking improvements, particularly against the run, following a disappointing playoff loss to the Baltimore Ravens .
Thornhill’s signing is part of the Steelers’ broader efforts to strengthen their roster during the offseason. The team has also made notable acquisitions, including veteran running back Trey Sermon, who joined on a one-year deal after participating in the team’s rookie minicamp. Sermon, a former third-round pick by the San Francisco 49ers in 2021, brings experience from stints with the 49ers, Philadelphia Eagles, and Indianapolis Colts .
These moves reflect the Steelers’ commitment to enhancing their roster and addressing areas of need as they prepare for the upcoming season. With the addition of experienced players like Thornhill and Sermon, the team aims to build a more competitive and resilient squad capable of contending for postseason success.
