With injuries mounting, the Jacksonville Jaguars have struggled to defend the back end of the field. That's why it was a bit surprising that they didn't make an aggressive effort to trade for reinforcements at safety at the deadline, even though they desperately needed help. However, the Jags just made a move to bolster the depth at the position following the 36-5 win over the Los Angeles Chargers.
The team announced that it signed safety Juan Thornhill to the practice squad. Because they had two spots open, they didn't make a corresponding move.
A second-round pick in 2019, Thornhill spent his first four seasons with the Kansas City Chiefs. He then played for the Cleveland Browns for two years and signed with the Pittsburgh Steelers in 2025's free agency. However, the seventh-year veteran struggled and was eventually benched and released after Week 10.
Juan Thornhill gives the Jaguars depth at safety
Although Juan Thornhill has been a dependable veteran throughout his career, it's hard to overlook his struggles in Pittsburgh this season. In seven games, he had 22 tackles, one pass defensed, and a 146.2 passing rating allowed. The writing was on the wall for him once the Steelers acquired Kyle Dugger.
But as underwhelming as he was with the Steelers, Thornhill brings much-needed depth in Jacksonville. Moreover, because he was signed to the practice squad, and not the active roster, it was a low-risk, high-reward kind of move.
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How can Juan Thornhill help the Jaguars?
As of this writing, the Jaguars haven't announced any further injuries at safety, but their depth (and their overall performance) isn't currently great. Starter Eric Murray landed on Injured Reserve after Week 9 and is still a few weeks away from returning.
With Murray out of the picture, Andrew Wingard and Antonio Johnson have been the starters. Although the latter registered his second interception of the season against the Chargers, both of them have been inconsistent this season.
Kahlef Hailassee and rookie Rayuan Layne are behind Wingard and Johnson on the depth chart. Neither has gotten much playing time this season. If needed, Thornhill could bring in and contribute at the moment's notice. And that's the thing, he fared well with both Kansas City and the Browns. It's possible that the seventh-year veteran simply wasn't a fit with the Steelers and may just need a fresh start. Jacksonville will give it to him.
Ultimately, signing Juan Thornhill to the practice squad isn't the kind of move that will get Jaguars fans hyped up. That said, it provides depth at safety without a meaningful risk.