The Pittsburgh Steelers have made strategic moves this offseason by signing defensive lineman Daniel Ekuale and safety Juan Thornhill to one-year contracts, aiming to bolster their defense. Ekuale, previously a starter for the New England Patriots, joins on a $2.8 million deal, with a $1.63 million signing bonus guaranteed. His contract structure likely exempts him from the compensatory draft pick formula in 2026, allowing the Steelers to retain flexibility in their draft strategy.

Thornhill, who started for the Cleveland Browns over the past two seasons, has signed for $3 million, featuring a $1.83 million guaranteed signing bonus. Though closer to the compensatory pick threshold, he too is expected to be exempt from impacting their compensatory picks. As the Steelers navigate the complexities of the compensatory pick formula, they are positioned to potentially gain more picks rather than losing any due to these signings.

The Cleveland Browns are gearing up for the 2025 NFL draft as they look to fill the void left by former safety Juan Thornhill, who has signed with the Pittsburgh Steelers. Thornhill's departure highlights a pressing need for the Browns to solidify their secondary. Currently, the team is relying on three undrafted free agents, which showcases the urgency in finding a long-term solution.

The article outlines five potential safety prospects for the Browns to target, including Xavier Watts from Notre Dame, who boasts an impressive track record with multiple interceptions and strong coverage skills. Other recommendations include Andrew Mukuba (Texas) and Malachi Moore (Alabama), both of whom offer significant experience and versatility. Each prospect brings unique skills that could enhance the Browns' defensive strategy as they seek to improve communication and execution on the field.

The Kansas City Chiefs are facing significant changes in their defense as two of their prominent former players move on to new teams. Linebacker Willie Gay Jr. has signed a one-year deal with the Miami Dolphins after a season with the New Orleans Saints, where he recorded 28 tackles, two sacks, and three passes defended. Similarly, safety Juan Thornhill has joined the Pittsburgh Steelers, aiming to reclaim the success he enjoyed during his time with the Chiefs. Thornhill, who previously dealt with injuries while with the Cleveland Browns, brings a wealth of experience, including two Super Bowl victories with Kansas City, and aims to bolster the Steelers' defense.

The Pittsburgh Steelers are eager to break their eight-year playoff win drought, and they've added veteran safety Juan Thornhill to help lead the charge. Thornhill, a two-time Super Bowl champion from his time with the Kansas City Chiefs, brings experience and skill to the Steelers' secondary. At 29, he's looking to reaffirm his status as one of the league's top safeties after a sidelining injury during the Chiefs' 2019 run.

Thornhill's career highlights include three interceptions in the 2022 season, a strong performance with 71 tackles, and key playoff experience, which will be invaluable for the Steelers. Joining a defense that already features stars like T.J. Watt and Minkah Fitzpatrick, Thornhill is expected to be a significant asset as the Steelers aim to improve after last year's struggles in the playoffs.

The Cleveland Browns are making significant roster changes as they announce the release of safety Juan Thornhill. His exit follows a season marred by injury, including a calf issue that limited his playtime. Thornhill, who joined the Browns after a successful spell with the Kansas City Chiefs, had a solid performance during his time in Cleveland, logging over 100 tackles and several pass defenses in just two seasons. The Browns' decision to part ways will free up $3.4 million in salary cap space, a crucial move as they navigate offseason adjustments.

In a series of social media posts, Thornhill hinted at his ambitions for the upcoming 2025 season, expressing a desire to prove his worth in the league. His comments have stirred speculation about where he might land next. With NFL teams allowed only two post-June 1 cuts per offseason, the Browns' choice to release Thornhill could signal a broader strategy as they prepare for the next season.