The Chiefs will not be protecting Juan Thornhill in their defensive backfield next season.
Thornhill has agreed to a three-year deal with the Cleveland Browns worth up to $21 million, a source familiar with the situation confirmed with The Star on Wednesday evening.
Thornhill cashed in after posting career-high figures in several statistical categories, including tackles (71), passes defended (9) and quarterback hits (2). He also recorded his first career sack in 2022 and tied a career high with three interceptions.
The 6-foot, 203-pound Thornhill originally joined the Chiefs in 2019 as a second-round pick out of Virginia. He appeared in 65 games with 52 starts, totaling 161 tackles, one sack, four quarterback hits, eight interceptions and 20 passes defensed.
While the Chiefs lose initial security, they appear to be equipped to deal with it. They used a second-round draft pick last year on safety Brian Cook, who is now a plug-and-play option with Justin Reed.
Thornhill became the fifth member of the Chiefs’ 2022 Super Bowl-winning team to sign with another franchise, joining Andrew Wylie (Commanders), wide receiver JuJu Smith-Schuster (Patriots), fullback Michael Burton (Broncos) and defensive tackle Michael Burton (Broncos). Tackle Khalen joined. Saunders (Saint).
NFL Network first reported News on Thornhill.