Cleveland Browns Sign Veteran Safety Damontae Kazee

Categories: College University AthleticsCollege/University NewsEducation

The Cleveland Browns strengthen their defense with the signing of Damontae Kazee.

News Summary

The Cleveland Browns have signed veteran safety Damontae Kazee to bolster their defensive lineup. This move aims to improve their secondary unit following a disappointing season. Kazee brings extensive NFL experience after playing for teams like the Atlanta Falcons and Pittsburgh Steelers. Known for his leadership and defensive skills, Kazee’s addition is part of the Browns’ strategy to enhance their defense in the upcoming season.

Cleveland, Ohio – The Cleveland Browns have fortified their defensive lineup by signing veteran safety Damontae Kazee this offseason. This acquisition is part of the franchise’s efforts to enhance their secondary unit following a lackluster performance last season, where they ranked 27th in the league in points allowed. With significant experience in the NFL, Kazee aims to bring veteran leadership to a team eager to improve in 2024.

Damonate Kazee, standing at 5-foot-11, hails from San Bernardino, California. A three-star recruit in 2011, he attended Cajon High School, where he showcased multifaceted athletic talent. During his time at Cajon, Kazee was recognized as a three-time all-CIF athlete and played both offense and defense for the Cajon Cowboys, contributing to a successful senior season that saw the team finish with a 9-2 record, including a 6-1 mark in league play. In addition to football, he also excelled in basketball and track.

After high school, Kazee committed to playing football at San Diego State University, opting for the Aztecs over offers from the University of Arizona and Washington State. His ties to the school ran deep, as his brother, Walter Kazee, was a running back for the Aztecs from 2009 to 2012. Kazee redshirted his first year at San Diego State but made an immediate impact during his redshirt freshman season in 2013, accumulating 41 tackles, four forced fumbles, an interception, and a sack. He led the Mountain West Conference in forced fumbles per game, showcasing his defensive prowess.

Throughout his college career, Kazee’s skills earned him numerous accolades. He was named the Mountain West Defensive Player of the Year twice, making him one of only five players in the conference’s history to achieve this honor on two separate occasions. By the time he graduated in 2016, Kazee held multiple school records, including those for career interceptions (17), pass breakups (30), and interception yards (214). His tenure at San Diego State featured 53 games played, with 41 starts, and he recorded a total of 239 tackles.

Kazee’s professional journey commenced when he was drafted in the fifth round by the Atlanta Falcons with the 149th overall pick in the 2017 NFL Draft. He spent four seasons with the Falcons, compiling 199 tackles and 10 interceptions, including a standout year in 2018 when he led the NFL with seven interceptions. Following his time in Atlanta, Kazee joined the Dallas Cowboys for the 2021 season before moving to the Pittsburgh Steelers, where he played until 2024.

During his NFL career, Kazee has participated in 107 games, starting 63 of them. His cumulative stats include a total of 363 tackles, 17 interceptions, and seven forced fumbles. However, his career faced a setback during the 2024-2025 season when he was suspended for the last three games due to an ejection for illegal contact.

The Browns’ decision to sign Kazee comes after making significant defensive changes, particularly regarding the safety position. With a solid track record in both college and professional football, Kazee is expected to contribute to a defense that seeks to turn around after last year’s disappointing campaign. As he joins the Browns, the franchise hopes to leverage his experience and abilities to enhance their defensive capabilities moving forward.