Thornhill was released by the Browns last month after an underwhelming two-year stint with the team. Injuries limited him to just 22 games over the last two seasons, but even when he was healthy, Thornhill failed to make the kind of impact we saw during his first four seasons with the Chiefs. Now, with the Steelers on a one-year prove-it deal, Thornhill will likely have to show what he can offer in camp if he hopes to earn a meaningful role in 2025.

Thornhill was a big-ticket signing for the Browns two years ago, inking a three-year, $21 million contract with the team. Injuries hampered him in Cleveland and he appeared in just 11 games in back-to-back seasons. Thornhill had 104 combined tackles and four pass breakups with the Browns. The veteran safety will turn 30 a month into the 2025 season but is still a starting-quality defensive back. He will also get top-notch coaching if he signs in San Francisco with Robert Saleh back in the defensive coordinator role.

The release of Thornhill means he’s free to sign with any team before free agency officially kicks off. Thornhill started 11 games for the Browns in each of the last two seasons, totaling 103 tackles and four pass breakups. The six-year vet had one year left on his current contract and will likely be listed as a post-June 1 cut, which will free up $3.4 million in cap space while creating a dead cap hit of just over $2.2 million. Thornhill has started 74 of the 87 games he’s appeared in during his career, but his days as a starter could be coming to an end after an underwhelming stint with the Browns.

Thornhill was unable to practice at all this week. The good news is that Cornerback Greg Newsome, who was dealing with a groin injury, was removed from the injury report. Thornhill suffered the calf injury and Week 10 and was listed as questionable to return. He did not retake the field after going down.