Within hours of the 2022 NFL Draft ending, the Pittsburgh Steelers signed a veteran safety. No, it's not Tyrann Mathieu, but instead it's former Atlanta Falcons', and Dallas Cowboys' safety, Damontae Kazee.
Nov 17, 2019; Charlotte, NC, USA; Atlanta Falcons strong safety Damontae Kazee (27) reacts after an interception in the fourth quarter at Bank of America Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Bob Donnan-USA TODAY Sports
It's a one-year contract according to ESPN's Jeremy Fowler who was on the news first.
Kazee left Atlanta for Dallas last season on a one-year contract. He started 15 games for the Cowboys but had pedestrian statistics overall. To his credit, he did force two fumbles, and had two interceptions. His best season came in Atlanta in 2018 when he recorded a career high 7 interceptions, 82 tackles, and 7 pass breakups. The Cowboys’ defense was middle of the road in terms of pass defense last year allowing the 13th most yards at 4,049, but finished 7th overall in total defense.
Tipped and PICKED. Damontae Kazee has it for the #DallasCowboys!
— NFL (@NFL) December 3, 2021
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Steelers should now feel comfortable with their safeties in 2022
It appears the Steelers may have been targeting a safety during the draft, but after they were unable to draft one, they went back to the free agent market. Kazee was drafted in the 5th round by the Falcons and while he's bounced around the last couple of seasons, he's been productive.
It appears a training camp battle will heat up between Kazee and Terrell Edmunds who was just re-signed last week. Between the two of them, Minkah Fitzpatrick and Tre Norwood, the Steelers now have solid depth at both safety positions.
Kazee is known for his play making ability on the football, which is something the Steelers haven't had with Edmunds. While Edmunds has stayed healthy and available, the big plays just haven't been there from the former first round pick. Kazee has 12 interceptions in his career.
Last season, Kazee signed a one-year deal worth nearly $1.2 million with the Cowboys. Expect the contract to be in the same range this time around.
Damontae Kazee intercepts the pass in the end zone 🙌 #DallasCowboys
— NFL (@NFL) September 19, 2021
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