Pittsburgh Steelers surprisingly cut ties with free-agent signing and former starter

Staff Writer
Pittsburgh Steelers surprisingly cut ties with free-agent signing and former starter image

Barry Reeger-Imagn Images

The Pittsburgh Steelers have decided to waive a player who was previously a starter for the team earlier in the season.

According to NFL Network's Ian Rapoport and Mike Garafolo, the Steelers are waiving safety Juan Thornhill.

"The Steelers have released veteran S Juan Thornhill... And he now heads to waivers for a fresh start," Rapoport reported.

If Thornhill clears waivers, he'll be free to sign with any team.

Thornhill was signed during the offseason after getting cut by the Cleveland Browns and was a starter next to DeShon Elliott earlier in the season.

However, Thornhill's role diminished as the season progressed, with the veteran going from 50 or more snaps in four of the first five games to 27 or fewer in the last four, including zero snaps in Pittsburgh's last two games.

Thornhill's role was in danger for several weeks, but the kisses of death were the Steelers trading for Kyle Dugger and moving Jalen Rams ey to safety.

Despite his non-existent role, it's still surprising to see the Steelers cut ties with Thornhill because of their injuries in the secondary. But, Pittsburgh is likely just doing right by Thornhill now that he isn't playing anymore.

A two-time Super Bowl champion with the Kansas City Chiefs, Thornhill will likely draw interest from a contending team in need of depth.

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Contributing Writer