Mtp.Just Two Weeks After Being Released by the Steelers, Former Chiefs Defensive Pillar Is Signaling His Desire to Return to Kansas City — Even Willing to Take a Short-Term Deal Just to Wear Red Again
Two weeks after the Pittsburgh Steelers released veteran safety Juan Thornhill, league sources say the former Kansas City Chiefs standout has made his intentions clear: he wants to come home. Thornhill, 30, spent the 2019–2022 seasons anchoring the back end of Steve Spagnuolo’s defense and emerged as one of the most reliable coverage safeties during the Chiefs’ championship run. His short tenure in Pittsburgh never fully materialized, and after a season of inconsistency — including 45 tackles and two interceptions — the Steelers turned to younger players as part of their defensive rebuild.
Thornhill cleared waivers without being claimed, making him a free agent able to sign anywhere. But according to those close to the situation, his focus has narrowed to one destination: Kansas City. The Chiefs currently have an open veteran practice-squad slot and have dealt with depth issues in the secondary, fueling speculation about whether a reunion could be mutually beneficial. Thornhill has stayed in shape and, per team insiders, is prepared to accept a reduced role if it means rejoining the franchise where he played his best football.
In conversations with people around the league, Thornhill has been open about what Kansas City still means to him. In a message shared privately but confirmed by multiple sources, he said, “Kansas City is the place that lifted me during the toughest moments of my career. It became home for me long before I left. I know I may not be in the team’s long-term plans, but even if I have to take less money or be a backup, I just want one more chance to wear that jersey — because my heart never left the Chiefs.” The quote, raw and heartfelt, has quietly circulated among Chiefs staff and only strengthened internal conversations about whether a reunion is possible.
What makes Thornhill’s situation compelling is not just the nostalgia — it’s the fit. He thrived in Spagnuolo’s scheme, understood the culture, and delivered in high-pressure postseason moments that defined Kansas City’s rise. The familiarity could provide immediate, low-risk reinforcement for a unit dealing with injuries late in the season. At this stage of the year, experience matters, and Thornhill brings plenty of it.
Nothing is imminent, but momentum is building. For now, Thornhill remains a free agent waiting for the call. And if Kansas City reaches out, there is no mystery about his next move. After two turbulent seasons away, he is ready — and willing — to come home.
