Ex-NFL DB says Steelers already found Minkah Fitzpatrick's replacement with veteran safety

Following the blockbuster Jalen Ramsey trade, everyone in the Steel City wants to know — who’s going to replace Minkah Fitzpatrick? Former NFL DB turned analyst Will Blackmon apparently has all the answers — and it’s the next man up in the Steelers’ secondary, FS Juan Thornhill.

On a recent episode of FS1’s The Facility, Blackmon argued Thornhill’s proven resume not only speaks for itself, but could help the Steelers where it matters most — the playoffs:

“I’m going to give you another name: Juan Thornhill, the safety that they got,” Blackmon said. “He has 74 starts — two-time Super Bowl champion. So, you lose Minkah, but you got a leader back there who knows exactly what to do, who knows exactly what it takes to win championships. And so, I think wholeheartedly they got better. They got in a situation where they’re gonna compete. I got them actually winning a playoff game this year and ending that drought.”

Thornhill spent his first four years in the NFL with the Chiefs, winning two Super Bowls as the starting free safety. He ultimately signed with the Browns in 2023, but his time in Cleveland wasn’t as successful — leading to his release this past February.

He signed with the Steelers in March on a one-year, $3 million deal — and unless Pittsburgh signs another veteran free agent, he’s set to play a major role in the secondary.

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This article originally appeared on Steelers Wire: Steelers already have Minkah Fitzpatrick’s replacement, per Blackmon

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