The Pittsburgh Steelers have made the decision to waive safety Juan Thornhill, who had previously been a starter for the team earlier this season. NFL Network’s Ian Rapoport and Mike Garafolo reported that Thornhill has been released and is now subject to waivers, presenting him with the opportunity for a fresh start elsewhere in the league.
Thornhill was brought to the Steelers during the offseason after being released by the Cleveland Browns. He initially started alongside DeShon Elliott, playing a significant role in the team’s defensive lineup. However, as the season progressed, his playing time significantly decreased. In the early weeks, he recorded more than 50 snaps in four of the first five games, but in the last four games, his participation dwindled to 27 snaps or fewer, with no involvement at all in the Steelers’ past two outings.
The veteran safety’s diminishing role became apparent as the Steelers traded for Kyle Dugger and transitioned Jalen Ramsey to safety, which ultimately left Thornhill in a precarious situation. While it’s surprising for the Steelers to part ways with him given the current injuries in their secondary, the team appears to be prioritizing Thornhill’s future opportunities now that he is no longer receiving playing time.
Having previously won two Super Bowls with the Kansas City Chiefs, Thornhill is expected to attract interest from other contending teams that might be looking for depth in their secondary. This could mark a new chapter in his career, as he seeks to contribute to a team positioned for a playoff run.