Steelers agree to deal with former Chiefs, Browns safety Juan Thornhill, bring back Isaiahh Loudermilk
Adding a veteran to serve as the No. 3 safety in sub-packages, the Pittsburgh Steelers agreed to a one-year contract with former Cleveland Browns safety Juan Thornhill, NFL Network reported Monday.
The Steelers also are bringing back defensive lineman Isaiahh Loudermilk for one season, according to ESPN.
Thornhill, 29, is a six-year veteran who won two Super Bowl rings with the Kansas City Chiefs. He was released Feb. 24 by the Browns with one year left on a three-year, $21 million contract.
The Steelers have former All-Pro Minkah Fitzpatrick at free safety and veteran DeShon Elliott entering his second season at strong safety with the team. The 6-foot, 205-pound Thornhill likely will be used in the role that Damontae Kazee filled the past three seasons.
Thornhill has eight career interceptions, although he didn’t have any in his two seasons with the Browns. He had three apiece as a rookie in 2019 and 2022, his final year in Kansas City. He has started 74 games and appeared in 87 during his career.
Loudermilk, 27, remains with the team that selected him in the fifth round of the 2021 draft. In four seasons with the Steelers, Loudermilk has started five times in 58 games. He appeared in 16 games, all as a backup, in 2024 when he had 17 tackles.
Loudermilk played 22% of the snaps as part of the team’s defensive line rotation. He joins free-agent signee Daniel Ekuale, who agreed to a one-year deal Sunday night, as pieces added in the offseason.
Joe Rutter is a TribLive reporter who has covered the Pittsburgh Steelers since the 2016 season. A graduate of Greensburg Salem High School and Point Park, he is in his fifth decade covering sports for the Trib. He can be reached at jrutter@triblive.com.
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