It did not take long for recently released safety Juan Thornhill to find a new home.
One week after being cut by the Steelers, the 30-year-old has agreed to join the Jaguarsâ practice squad, it was announced Monday.
Thornhill had 38 tackles (23 solo) and one pass defended in nine games with Pittsburgh this season.
Thornhill Lost Starting Job Early in Season
Thornhill played well in the preseason alongside DeShon Elliott but got off to a poor start in the regular season and quickly fell out of favor.
When Elliott landed on injured reserve last month with a hyperextended knee, the Steelers signed Jabrill Peppers and traded for Kyle Dugger, formerly of the New England Patriots.
Dugger has since taken over the starting strong safety job in Pittsburgh opposite former All-Pro cornerback Jalen Ramsey.
This season, Pro Football Focus (PFF) rated Thornhill dead last among all 91 eligible safeties with a grade of 36.9. He has allowed 11 receptions across 317 snaps this season.
Thornhill Won Two Super Bowls With Chiefs
Thornhill, a 2019 second-round pick out of Virginia, spent his first four NFL seasons with the Kansas City Chiefs. He was a part of two Super Bowl-winning teams (LIV and LVII).
In March 2023, he joined the Cleveland Browns on a three-year, $21 million contract that included $14 million guaranteed. After injuries limited to 11 games in each of his first two seasons in Cleveland, he was released last February.
The Steelers scooped up Thornhill a month later. But after beating out Miles Killebrew for the starting job in the preseason, Thornhill made a minimal impact in the secondary.
Despite a 6-4 record, the Steelers rank 28th in yards allowed.
The Jaguars started Andrew Wingard and Antonio Johnson at safety in Sundayâs 35-6 victory over the Los Angeles Chargers. Thornhill, who has 375 tackles and eight interceptions in 96 career games, figures to add veteran insurance ahead of the likes of Rayuan Lane and Kahlef Hailassie.
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