New Steelers safety sends cryptic message to his former team after they replace him with a player Pittsburgh no longer wanted
The Pittsburgh Steelers upgraded the safety position in their minds this offseason. After deciding not to re-sign Damontae Kazee, the team brought in Juan Thornhill, who was released by the Cleveand Browns after the 2024 season. But on Monday, the Browns signed Kazee, and Thornhill took that personally… Juan Thornhill is taking the 2025 season […]
The Pittsburgh Steelers upgraded the safety position in their minds this offseason.
After deciding not to re-sign Damontae Kazee, the team brought in Juan Thornhill, who was released by the Cleveand Browns after the 2024 season.
But on Monday, the Browns signed Kazee, and Thornhill took that personally…
Juan Thornhill is taking the 2025 season personally
"Can’t wait !!! This s*** is Personal," Thornhill tweeted just hours after Kazee signed with the Browns.
It's clear that he is taking the move as a slight at him, given that Cleveland cut him and signed a free agent who has been available for over two months via Kazee.
Kazee was supposed to be the third man in the Steelers' big nickel package of Kazee, Fitzpatrick, and Keanu Neal, the latter of whom has retired. But after Neal suffered an injury that placed him on the injured reserve in 2023, Kazee was thrust into the starting strong safety role.
His most notable play and contribution came from his hit on Indianapolis Colts WR Michael Pittman Jr., one that caused him to be suspended and made Pittsburgh sign DeShon Elliott in the offseason to be their starter alongside Minkah Fitzpatrick in 2024.
Because of that and some injuries, Kazee was largely phased out in 2024. He was open about how he became hesitant in his play after the suspension due to what he believed were his attempts to make a routine tackle.
So Pittsburgh opted to let him walk and replaced him with the two time Super Bowl champion via Thornhill. A swapping of safeties, it's clear that Thornhill will be adding a chip to his shoulder after the Browns move on Monday.
Thornhill is more of what the Steelers want as it relates to their deployment of the big nickel. When you opt for three safeties on the field, you want speed but expose yourself to being gashed in the run game.
A bigger body and hybrid defender, Thornhill is more becoming of the role than Kazee.
He aims to show that in 2025.
