The Pittsburgh Steelers have been more aggressive than usual during the 2025 offseason. The organization has completed several trades, including a recent blockbuster deal with the Miami Dolphins that saw Pittsburgh part ways with star safety Minkah Fitzpatrick. Some fans were critical of the move because Fitzpatrick has been a key part of the defense in Pittsburgh since the 2019 season, but his play had declined in recent years. It was time for the two sides to part ways, and Pittsburgh was able to get better on both sides of the football by bringing in Jalen Ramsey and Jonnu Smith.
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Former Steelers safety Minkah Fitzpatrick makes a huge tackle against the Commanders during the 2024 season.
Fitzpatrick has been one of the best safeties in the league since joining the Steelers, but he has struggled to create the splash plays that he used to be known for. The organization decided he was not worth the contract he was being paid, which was a major reason he was dealt back to Miami where he began his career. This creates a hole at free safety for the Steelers, and there has been some speculation that Ramsey could take on that role when needed. However, insider Ray Fittipaldo went on 93.7 The Fan and shared his doubts about Pittsburgh's free safety signing of the 2025 offseason, Juan Thornhill.
"Talk about question marks on defense, do we know right now that Juan Thornhill can step in and be a starter?" Fittipaldo asked. "I don't know the answer to that question. I know he had some good years with Kansas City and there's a lot of talk that his play dropped off in Cleveland. I honestly don't know what he's going to bring to the table. So I think safety could be something that they're going have to address at some point before September."
Thornhill began his career with the Kansas City Chiefs where he won two Super Bowls, but he then spent two seasons with the Cleveland Browns. He was deemed a formidable player during his time with the Chiefs, but his play with the Browns certainly struggled. He was reported at times for showing a lack of effort, but that is to be expected when playing for Cleveland.
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Steelers' Juan Thornhill during his time with the Cleveland Browns.
It had to be somewhat of a culture shock for Thornhill going from Kansas City to Cleveland. He was coming off of three Super Bowl appearances, while the Browns had been one of the worst teams in the league for the entire century. He played in and started 11 games for the Browns over the last two seasons, but he has recorded zero interceptions in that time. He has been a reliable tackler, but the Steelers are going to want more from him if he is going to be entrusted to play free safety a decent amount.
Coming to Pittsburgh was probably a good move for Thornhill. He is back with a franchise that breeds a winning culture, which means it can get the best out of him. It should be a shock to no one if he is able to return to how he was playing with the Chiefs, which would be a gigantic boost for Pittsburgh's offense. It would also make the Steelers look even smarter for making the trade to get rid of Fitzpatrick.
Steelers' Jalen Ramsey Expected To Play Three Positions
Ramsey is versatile, and he is still a very good outside cornerback. However, it is not uncommon to see cornerbacks switch to play the slot or drop back to safety once they reach a certain age. Ramsey has the skills to do that, which means the fan base will see him lined up at safety, in the slot, and on the outside.
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Steelers CB Jalen Ramsey smiling on the sidelines while a member of the Miami Dolphins.
It will likely depend on what personnel the defense is in, as in nickel, he will probably be the starting slot cornerback. In the base defense, he might play free safety while Joey Porter Jr. and Darius Slay take on the responsibility on the outside.
What do you think of the concerns from Fittipaldo? Let us know in the comments below!
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