Juan Thornhill has gone from starter to waivers in what’s just the latest transaction for the NFL’s highest-paid defense.

The Steelers are cutting Thornhill, who was expected to step in to replace Minkah Fitzpatrick this season as the No. 1 free safety, and claiming Sebastian Castro off waivers from Tampa Bay. Thornhill started Week 2’s loss to the Seahawks and played every snap, then played the majority of the game against the Vikings and Browns.

Clearly, Thornhill’s performance in the loss to the Packers a few weeks ago was so poor that the Steelers benched him. He didn’t play a defensive snap the past two games against the Colts and Chargers, and now he’s being replaced by Castro, who’s probably more willing and better-suited to play special teams than the 30-year-old Thornhill.

Cast

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