Steelers' Juan Thornhill Emerging As The Starting Safety In 2025: "Watch The Tape"

The Pittsburgh Steelers' defensive unit will feature a plethora of new faces in 2025. They recently acquired cornerback Jalen Ramsey and tight end Jonnu Smith from the Miami Dolphins in exchange of veteran free safety Minkah Fitzpatrick, as many feel as if the Steelers gained a significant upgrade in the secondary following the move. With a multitude of fresh acquisitions joining the team this season, safety Juan Thornhill is a name fans may want to keep their eyes on throughout the course of training camp.

Thornhill, a six-year veteran out of Virginia, is a solid safety option who is expected to be a legitimate threat in the Steelers' secondary throughout 2025. Thornhill spent the last two seasons with the Cleveland Browns, as the veteran will look to thrive on the Steelers' defense throughout his first official season in Pittsburgh. Thornhill was a solid contributor for the Kansas City Chiefs as well, as he played a big role in two of the Chiefs' Super Bowl runs throughout the last half-decade. 

As Thornhill continues to prepare towards the start of the regular season, the veteran safety took a moment to speak with the media about what fans can expect out of him throughout 2025.

"Watch the tape," Thornhill stated. "I made some plays in that defense."

Thornhill's two-year tenure in Cleveland was highlighted by injuries and underwhelming play, as he'll look to get back on track in Pittsburgh this season. The former Brown signed a one-year deal with the Steelers on a veteran minimum and is widely expected to compete for the starting safety role throughout the course of training camp. With training camp officially now underway, fans are encouraged to keep a close eye on Thornhill and the rest of Pittsburgh's secondary as the team continues to prepare towards opening week.

Ramsey may emerge as a legitimate option for the starting safety role as well, as the superstar cornerback has been rumored to take snaps at safety during training camp, despite the presence of Thornhill. Ramsey, a seven-time Pro Bowler, is an elite cornerback who is widely considered as a top defensive talent in all of football. The former Dolphin may be faced with a key role off the field as well, as Ramsey is expected to be an excellent mentor for younger defensive backs like Joey Porter Jr. and Cory Trice Jr.

Steelers' Secondary Shift Was A Surprise To Many

Fans can expect to get a better understanding of who the starters will be in the secondary sooner rather than later. Darius Slay is expected to be a key contributor throughout 2025, as the veteran was a crucial piece on the Philadelphia Eagles' defense for a number of years. 

Slay recently shared his thoughts on the trade that sent Fitzpatrick to the Dolphins, as the veteran was both disappointed and excited for what may come in the future. Fitzpatrick has not played to his full potential throughout the past few seasons in Pittsburgh, as the addition of Ramsey will more than likely be an upgrade to the defensive unit as a whole. With both Slay and Ramsey officially in a Steelers uniform for the start of training camp, fans are encouraged to keep a close eye on both veterans as Pittsburgh continues to prepare towards opening week.

With Thornhill set to have a bounce back performance in 2025, the former Brown very well may emerge as the Steelers' starting safety this season. Thornhill is expected to compete for the role throughout camp, as an official decision as to who will start is not expected to be made until later in the offseason. With the start of the regular season continuing to grow closer, Pittsburgh's defensive unit is expected to be among the league's best in 2025.

Who do you want to see start for the Steelers at free safety? Let us know your thoughts in the comments below!

#SteelerNation