If the Cleveland Browns are going to make moves towards contending in 2025, it will likely come on the back of its defense, and Monday added a playmaking cornerback to the secondary.
According to NFL Media’s Mike Garafolo, the Browns plan to sign former Pittsburgh Steelers safety Damontae Kazee.
Sep 10, 2023; Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania, USA; San Francisco 49ers wide receiver Brandon Aiyuk (11) is pushed out of bounds by Pittsburgh Steelers safety Damontae Kazee (23) during the second half at Acrisure Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Gregory Fisher-USA TODAY Sports
Sep 10, 2023; Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania, USA; San Francisco 49ers wide receiver Brandon Aiyuk (11) is pushed out of bounds by Pittsburgh Steelers safety Damontae Kazee (23) during the second half at Acrisure Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Gregory Fisher-USA TODAY Sports
Kazee, 31, spent the past three seasons with the Pittsburgh Steelers, and through the first eight seasons of his career has intercepted 17 passes while adding 363 total tackles with 24 pass breakups.
What Damontae Kazee Adds to Cleveland Browns Defense
Cleveland Browns, Damontae Kazee
Pittsburgh Steelers safety Damontae Kazee was suspended for a hit on Indianapolis Colts wide receiver Michael Pittman Jr. on Saturday.
Kazee is a physical presence on the back end of a defense, and could potentially push for quality snaps in a unit that should benefit from Mason Graham’s arrival along a defensive line that already boasts All-Pro pass rusher Myles Garrett.
Last season with the Steelers, Kazee produced 31 total tackles with one interception in 15 games.
According to Pro Football Focus, Kazee’s 18 yards per reception were 10th fewest among safeties across the league last season. In Cleveland, Kazee could compete with Ronnie Hickman for the starting job alongside Grant Delpit.
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