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In the latest Kansas City Chiefs rumors, a familiar veteran could be teasing his return to the team before Week 1. Juan Thornhill, a former second-round pick in the 2019 NFL Draft, took to TikTok this week to express his gratitude for his former NFL home. He posted a video of himself walking down the Chiefs’ tunnel with a caption: “Imagine walking out to the best fans.” The safety, however, hasn’t generated much since being released last year in November.
This doesn’t mean his career is over, but it’s fair to wonder if he’s considering retirement. After building a huge body of work during his time in Kansas City, he earned himself a payday with the Cleveland Browns in 2023. Unfortunately, it’s been downhill from there. Thornhill hasn’t been able to turn his career around due to injury issues in his two stints in Cleveland. While he tried to make something out of himself last year with Pittsburgh, the free agent joined the Jacksonville Jaguars’ practice squad briefly.
Now, he could be fighting for a roster spot on the Chiefs, but should Kansas City entertain? The Chiefs have Alohi Gilman, Chamarri Conner and Jaden Hicks holding down the unit, so there could be room for one more.
Chiefs Rumors: $21M Top Free Agent Ignites Reunion in Social Media Buzz
Overhauled Secondary Room
Despite losing Trent McDuffie, Jaylen Watson and Bryan Cook, the Kansas City Chiefs never backed down from adding help. While there could be room for a rotational role in their safety unit, don’t expect a signing to come anytime soon. Kansas City would probably avoid adding old players, as they’ve done with Tyreek Hill, so it’ll take time before the Chiefs reconsider.
A homecoming might seem like a long shot, but could any of these three teams be interested in giving the former second-rounder a chance?
3. Dallas Cowboys
The Dallas Cowboys have heavily invested in their secondary unit this offseason. The key additions have been Jalen Thompson and PJ Locke. After releasing Donovan Wilson, veteran Malik Hooker took a paycut to remain with the team earlier this offseason. There could be room for growth if Hooker needs help, and maybe Thornhill can ease his way back into the league and play for America’s team.
There’s also no such thing as too many safeties since Dallas wants to avoid another injury-plagued defensive roster. The Cowboys could consider the former Chief to upgrade their room in case they appear in the wild-card next year. He won’t do much, but at least they’d have another body in their unit.
2. Miami Dolphins
It’s hard to look at the Dolphins’ roster after they released Tyreek Hill while trading Jaylen Waddle. While they have their pass-catching woes now, the safety group is another issue to face. Despite adding six names this offseason, the entire safety unit looks very unmotivated. Thornhill isn’t God, but he could strengthen the corps overnight if the Dolphins sign him.
Miami needs a new spark, and while he isn’t going to be an Ed Reed, he’s better than what they have in Lonnie Johnson Jr. and other unproven names.
1. Carolina Panthers
Meanwhile, don’t rule out the Carolina Panthers making one last push to improve their defense. After signing Jaelan Phillips and Devin Lloyd, the Panthers have proven they are never afraid of making adjustments. However, there is a lot of work left to be done in the secondary group. Jaycee Horn and Michael Jackson are special, but they’re one more veteran away from a complete package not named Tre’Von Moehrig.
Nick Scott is good, but it might make sense to have him battle with Thornhill, which would give the former Chief one more chance to earn a starting role somehow.
