The Cleveland Browns are cleaning house once again by releasing starting safety Juan Thornhill with just one year left on his current contract. According to the breaking news, the move will save the team just over $3.4 million in cap space so it’s something deeper why the Browns are moving on from the safety. Originally selected in the second round of the 2019 NFL Draft, the former Virginia product was hoping to bring that championship pedigree from the Kansas City Chiefs into the culture of Cleveland but things didn’t pan out that way. The Browns had another disappointing season last year and injuries compiling into the equation didn’t help his stock to stay on the team any longer.
Despite Thornhill appearing in 22 games across two seasons, the safety should have a sizeable market. Following his release, he was quick to react to the news on his social media, posting a one-word message “Blessed.” The release is no surprise as the safety was already teasing it this past weekend. Thornhill had high hopes for Cleveland either way before arriving but the main priority for the Browns is to improve several positions on their offense and dealing Myles Garrett.
Since all of that is happening, the Browns are releasing as many players to bring in some financial relief to rebuild.
Cleveland Browns Release Juan Thornhill – 5 Suitors Could Emerge This Free Agency
Possible Destinations
Kansas City Chiefs
Juan Thornhill returning to the Kansas City Chiefs since they may lose Justin Reid in free agency due to the salary cap. The team has been phenomenal with Reid and Bryan Cook on top of the pecking order of the safety unit. However, this could all change even if Thornhill decides to return to possibly fill the hole. The Chiefs should sign Thornhill on a temporary one-year deal to test what he could do but no one should expect him to be on that same level as Reid.
New Orleans Saints
The Saints are cash-strapped too just like the Chiefs and they could benefit from adding a veteran like Thornhill. After an underwhelming season, he could allow the Saints to offer him a cheap contract that makes him prove what he’s worth. Meanwhile, the team is holding their breath to bring back Tyrann Mathieu to return since he’s a cap casualty but New Orleans should be able to figure it out and pair these two to give the secondary some new life.
Baltimore Ravens
Ar’Darius Washington is the future of this safety unit but with an aging Marlon Humphrey, they could use Thornhill’s presence as backup. Marcus Williams will likely get cut as Kyle Hamilton is setting himself up for a contract extension. Thornhill might not do much starting off but he could carve out a decent role to step in for Washington in situational moments.
Minnesota Vikings
Juan Thornhill joining the Vikings could be dependent on what happens this offseason. Harrison Smith teased retirement while Camryn Bynum could leave the team for another roster. If that happens, the Vikings may be better off grabbing a bargain steal like Thornhill who has two Super Bowls under his belt.
Los Angeles Chargers
There will be a lot of moving pieces in the Chargers secondary this offseason. After extending Elijah Molden, the future looks bleak for Derwin James to return to Los Angeles. Thornhill could be a solid third man while Molden and Alohi Gilman could emerge as their two starters.
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