The Kansas City Chiefs lost a key starter in their secondary when safety Juan Thornhill signed with the Cleveland Browns on Wednesday afternoon. Thornhill had been a fixture on the back end of the Chiefs’ defense since joining the team in 2019 as a second-round pick after playing collegiately at the University of Virginia.
Two-time Super Bowl winner Juan Thornhill agreed to terms with the #Browns on a three-year, $21 million contract with $14 million fully guaranteed at signing over the first two years, per sources.
Thornhill started 52 games for the #Chiefs. A big addition for Cleveland.
— Tom Pelissero (@TomPelissero) March 15, 2023
In his absence, second-year safety Bryan Cook is set to take on an expanded role in Kansas City’s secondary after his impressive rookie campaign proved that he has what it takes to make plays in key situations.
Thornhill’s massive three-year $21 million payday in Cleveland was likely more than the Chiefs were willing to match and is an indication that Kansas City is comfortable with the talent they have at the safety position. The $14 million guarantee included in his new contract is sure to have played a part in any negotiations Thornhill may have had between the Chiefs and other suitors who sought his talent for the 2023 season.
The loss of Thornhill is sure to sting for many Chiefs fans who grew accustomed to the veteran’s presence during his tenure with the team, but with just a month remaining before the NFL draft, more secondary help could be on the way for Kansas City in relatively short order.
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