The Cleveland Browns are preparing for a rebuild. The franchise is already dealing with Myles Garrett’s recent trade request after hoping he would finish his career in Cleveland. Now, the franchise is moving on from safety Juan Thornhill to make some cap room. The two-time Super Bowl winner is set to join a new team in free agency.
Browns Part Ways With Safety Juan Thornhill
With potential retirements and trades on the horizon, the Browns are looking to gain some control over their roster. NFL Network’s Mike Garafolo took to X and reported that the Browns are releasing Thornhill to save some money.
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“The Browns are releasing veteran S Juan Thornhill, sources say. The team and Thornhill’s camp spoke in recent days and the decision was made to part ways now, giving Thornhill a few weeks before free agency to find his next home. Thornhill had one year at $7m left on his deal,” he tweeted.
The #Browns are releasing veteran S Juan Thornhill, sources say. The team and Thornhill’s camp spoke in recent days and the decision was made to part ways now, giving Thornhill a few weeks before free agency to find his next home.
Thornhill had one year at $7m left on his deal. pic.twitter.com/CcNQpn5jc2
— Mike Garafolo (@MikeGarafolo) February 24, 2025
The 29-year-old was drafted by the Kansas City Chiefs in the second round of the 2019 NFL Draft. He entered free agency in 2023 and signed a three-year contract with the Browns worth $21 million.
Thornhill still has one year left on his contract with the Browns. As per reports, he will be designated a post-June 1 release with a $5.68 million cap hit for the franchise in 2025.
A lingering calf injury limited Thornhill to only 11 games in both of his seasons with the Browns. He registered a combined 103 tackles and four defended passes. However, before the news of his release was reported, Thornhill had taken to X (formerly Twitter) to clarify his intentions for the next season.
“I’m popping my s**t all 2025!!! Remind yall mf who I am… if you don’t like it idgaf hop on the hate train,” he had tweeted on Feb. 21.
I’m popping my s**t all 2025!!! Remind yall mf who I am… if you don’t like it idgaf hop on the hate train 😤
— The Chosen Juan👑🙇🏽♂️ (@Juan_Thornhill) February 21, 2025
On Feb. 22 he got on X once again and highlighted his mindset. “Greater things to come. One day at a time,” he tweeted.
Thornhill now joins the 2025 free-agent class.
Who Are the Top Safeties Available This Offseason?
In PFSN’s Top Free Agents By Position, these are the best safeties in this year’s free-agent class:
1) Justin Reid, Kansas City Chiefs
2) Tre’von Moehrig, Las Vegas Raiders
3) Julian Blackmon, Indianapolis Colts
4) Will Harris, New Orleans Saints
5) Xavier Woods, Carolina Panthers
6) Jeremy Chinn, Washington Commanders
7) Justin Simmons, Atlanta Falcons
8) Quandre Diggs, Tennessee Titans
9) Camryn Bynum, Minnesota Vikings
10) Isaiah Pola-Mao, Las Vegas Raiders
11) Ar’Darius Washington, Baltimore Ravens
12) Jevon Holland, Miami Dolphins
13) Jordan Poyer, Miami Dolphins
14) Talanoa Hufanga, San Francisco 49ers
15) Damar Hamlin, Buffalo Bills
Justin Reid has helped the Chiefs win two Super Bowl titles and now he once again produced at a high level this season.
Jeremy Chinn and Justin Simmons signed one-year deals with the Washington Commanders and Atlanta Falcons, respectively, and now they will be looking to cash in and sign larger contracts this offseason after playing well.
Chinn became one of the most important players on Washington’s defense and played a significant role in their deep postseason run. He finished the season with career-highs in tackles (117), tackles for a loss (seven), and sacks (two) while also recording one interception, one forced fumble, and two fumble recoveries.