The Kansas City Chiefs have seen numerous players come and go over this dynastic run for the last half-decade, and the NFL offseason is always an emotional time for many who change teams and then have to deal with the logistical issues that come with it.
One guy who won a Super Bowl with the organization, safety Juan Thornhill, is facing those struggles now after spending two years with the Cleveland Browns. He was let go and signed a one-year deal with the Pittsburgh Steelers, hoping to remain a starter as he approaches his 30th birthday this fall.
While the Steelers are certainly a more successful franchise, Thornhill's social media activity makes it clear that he's unhappy about the Browns' decision to let him walk.
Former Chiefs S Juan Thornhill Clearly Angry at Browns for Letting Him Walk in Free Agency
Shortly after the Browns signed Damontae Kazee to presumably replace him, Thornhill took to X to share his displeasure. "Can't wait," he posted with exclamation marks. "This s--- is Personal."
It makes sense that Thornhill would be upset. He started 22 games for Cleveland over the last two years and ranked 71st out of 171 qualified safeties at Pro Football Focus, so he's a solid yet unspectacular player. That still has value, but the Browns preferred to move in a different direction.
Now, Thornhill will suit up for a division rival in the Steelers and hope to earn a starting spot. Originally a second-round pick by the Chiefs in the 2019 NFL Draft, Thornhill was in Kansas City for four years before the team also elected to let him go. He helped usher in this era, though his limitations became clear, especially after seeing Tyrann Mathieu and Justin Reid hold down the position in recent years.
Regardless, Thornhill is a champion and now has a big chip on his shoulder. That could stand to benefit Pittsburgh, though it's unlikely he'll legitimately compete for another Lombari Trophy given their quarterback situation.
The Chiefs won't play the Steelers in the regular season, yet it's well within the realm of possibility that they see each other in the playoffs. Thornhill will square off with the Browns twice as a division rival, and there's no doubt that he'll be wanting to show Cleveland what they lost out on.