The Pittsburgh Steelers are off to a strong start in 2025, however, they have suffered some brutal losses. Through nine games they’re 5-4 and sit in first place in the AFC North. That being said, they’re 1-3 in their last four games.
Coming off their brutal 25-10 loss on Sunday Night Football to the Chargers, the team has decided to make a change.
After Brutal Loss To Chargers, Steelers Release S Juan Thornhill
Oct 12, 2025; Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania, USA; Pittsburgh Steelers head coach Mike Tomlin before the game at Acrisure Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Barry Reeger-Imagn Images
Oct 12, 2025; Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania, USA; Pittsburgh Steelers head coach Mike Tomlin before the game at Acrisure Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Barry Reeger-Imagn Images
The Pittsburgh Steelers have officially released veteran safety Juan Thornhill, a two-time Super Bowl champion, marking a significant roster shake-up in the secondary. According to sources cited by NFL Network’s Ian Rapoport, Thornhill now heads to waivers as the Steelers shift direction in their defensive backfield.
Thornhill’s departure ends a chapter for a player whose résumé includes two championship rings (with the Kansas City Chiefs) and multiple seasons of starting experience. With Pittsburgh sitting at a crossroads defensively, the move signals a new era under head coach Mike Tomlin and general manager Kevin Colbert.
Veteran Experience Leaves the Building
Drafted in the second round of the 2019 NFL Draft by the Chiefs, Thornhill was part of the team’s Super Bowl LIV and LVII title teams. He later joined the Steelers in 2025, bringing championship pedigree and starting-caliber play to Pittsburgh’s defense.
The decision to release Thornhill comes after limited playing time and a shifting roster at safety. According to team analytics and snap-count data, Thornhill’s role became increasingly marginal, with fewer defensive snaps and more competition from younger backs.
What This Means for the Steelers
Pittsburgh Steelers safety Juan Thornhill (22) tackles Cincinnati Bengals wide receiver Tee Higgins (5) in the first quarter of the NFL game between the Cincinnati Bengals and Pittsburgh Steelers at Paycor Stadium in Cincinnati on Oct. 16, 2025. © Albert Cesare/The Enquirer / USA TODAY NETWORK via Imagn Images
Pittsburgh Steelers safety Juan Thornhill (22) tackles Cincinnati Bengals wide receiver Tee Higgins (5) in the first quarter of the NFL game between the Cincinnati Bengals and Pittsburgh Steelers at Paycor Stadium in Cincinnati on Oct. 16, 2025. © Albert Cesare/The Enquirer / USA TODAY NETWORK via Imagn Images
Pittsburgh’s decision to move on from a player with two Super Bowl rings underscores the team’s urgency to retool its defense and inject youth and versatility into the back end. The safety room will now lean more heavily on younger talent and scheme-adaptable players who fit the Steelers’ evolving defensive model.
While releasing a championship-winning veteran always carries risk—especially in terms of leadership and experience—the Steelers clearly believe the transition is necessary for sustained success. This move signals to free-agents and draft prospects alike that Pittsburgh expects high impact and adaptability from its defensive backs.
Final Takeaway
The departure of Juan Thornhill is more than just a roster change—it’s a statement. For the Steelers, it’s a clean break from past championship infrastructure toward a new defensive identity. For Thornhill, it’s the end of a chapter in Pittsburgh and potentially the start of a new opportunity elsewhere.
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