Juan Thornhill — from Chiefs cut-day to Steelers bargain: his Black & Gold gamble
Just 48 hours after being cut by the Kansas City Chiefs, veteran safety Juan Thornhill stunned the NFL world by publicly declaring his desire to join the Pittsburgh Steelers — and reportedly accepted a pay cut to make it happen.
Thornhill, who was a second-round pick by Kansas City in the 2019 NFL Draft, was waived by the Chiefs earlier this week as part of a roster shake-up.
The release came as a surprise to many, given Thornhill’s prior role in returning units and occasional defensive snaps for Kansas City — including during their 2019–2021 stretch when the team regularly contended for playoff spots.
But instead of sitting out or waiting for the perfect offer, Thornhill wasted no time: sources say he reached out to Pittsburgh within 48 hours of his release and made clear his willingness to accept a smaller contract just to get a chance in Black and Gold.
While official contract numbers haven’t been released, the swift move signals Thornhill’s urgency to stay in the league and the Steelers’ openness to taking a low-risk gamble on a veteran presence.
Why Pittsburgh? For one, the Steelers secondary — already in flux this season — could use depth and experience. With injuries and inconsistency at safety and cornerback, adding a former All-ACC defender seemed appealing.
Also, for Thornhill, the Steelers offer not just a job but a chance at redemption and stability: a chance to re-establish himself on a roster known for its blue-collar work ethic and opportunity for “comeback” stories.
In making this leap — from being cut to willingly taking a pay cut — Thornhill bet on himself and on a team that values grit and versatility. If he can show that he’s still got something left in the tank, the move could pay big dividends: for Pittsburgh’s defense, and for his own career.
Only time will tell if this bold black-and-gold gamble pays off — but one thing’s for certain: Juan Thornhill isn’t done yet, and he’s ready to prove it all over again.