Pittsburgh Steelers safety Juan Thornhill says he’s not holding a grudge against the Cleveland Browns, but he made it clear he’s looking forward to playing against his former team.
Thornhill signed a one-year deal with the Steelers this offseason after being released by the Browns in a cost-cutting move. He spent two seasons in Cleveland, starting 22 games and recording 103 tackles and four passes defensed. His stint, however, was marred by injuries and inconsistency, including a lingering calf issue that kept him off the field for extended stretches.
Thornhill also had a rocky relationship with some Browns fans on social media, particularly after a play against the Saints in which his effort was questioned. The Browns released Thornhill in a post-June 1 designation, saving over $3 million in cap space.
“I ain’t got no issues with Cleveland,” Thornhill said during Steelers minicamp. “I’m not worried about them, but they definitely got to see me two times a year. I’m excited about the opportunity for sure.”
Thornhill will get his first shot at the Browns on Oct. 12 in Pittsburgh. However, his first priority should be securing playing time. Minkah Fitzpatrick and DeShon Elliott are slated to be the starting safeties for the Steelers.
Myles Garrett Wants to Put Aaron Rodgers in ‘Graveyard’
Thornhill’s comments weren’t the only source of bulletin board material fueling the Browns-Steelers rivalry this offseason. Cleveland star pass-rusher Myles Garrett also raised eyebrows with his reaction to Aaron Rodgers signing with Pittsburgh.
“I think it’s a good opportunity to put him in the graveyard,” Garrett said, referencing his Halloween tradition.
Garrett requested a trade earlier in the offseason but ended up staying put in Cleveland thanks to a lucrative extension. He signed a four-year, $160 million deal this offseason, making him the highest-paid defender in the NFL. Garrett has set a high bar for himself but believes the best is yet to come.
“I look forward to having my best season for sure, and I think it’s trending that way. Been really good, and I think everything’s pointed in that direction,” Garrett said. “And I like where we are as a defensive unit. It’s really firing, really rolling, and I think it’s really clicking as far as the scheme and the plays, especially early on. That’s big.”
Browns Sorting Out QB Competition
The biggest issue for the Browns to sort out in training camp and the preseason is coming to a conclusion on who the team’s starting quarterback will be. Cleveland is playing out a four-quarterback competition that includes Joe Flacco, Kenny Pickett, Shedeur Sanders and Dillon Gabriel.
The Browns have kept their plans under wraps, offering no clear indication of which direction they’re leaning. Stefanski has cautioned against reading too much into rep counts or who’s leading drills.
“We’re so far away from that type of thought process. Honestly, we’re in our installation phase. It’s the offseason, it’s OTA, so we’re going to keep the focus there,” Stefanski said during an appearance on Cleveland Browns Daily. “Once you get into training camp, of course, you’re getting ready to play games and ultimately getting ready for playing the season, but right now that’s not our focus.”
