The Pittsburgh Steelers will have a very different looking defensive back group this upcoming season compared to last year. Gone are the likes of Cam Sutton, Terrell Edmunds, and Arthur Maulet. In addition to drafting cornerbacks Joey Porter Jr. and Cory Trice, the team has brought in Patrick Peterson, Keanu Neal, and Chandon Sullivan via free agency to help round out the defensive back room.
RICK SCUTERI / AP PHOTO
Steelers CB, Patrick Peterson Will Play A Pivotal Role For The Team's Defense In 2023
While the Steelers are still months away from having to finalize a plan for how they will delegate responsibilities to the secondary, there is no denying that the coaching staff has high expectations for the group heading in to 2023.
During a recent interview after the team's first day of OTAs, Steelers' safety, Damontae Kazee, who re-signed with the Steelers this offseason, talked about how the defensive back group can solidify themselves as one of the best in the league in 2023.
Damontae Kazee, Calvin Austin III and Joey Porter Jr. spoke with the media following the first day of OTAs. pic.twitter.com/opTDulFtWQ
— Steelers Live (@SteelersLive) May 23, 2023
"The expectation is to get that ball at the end of the day. That's what we're looking for as a DB group, trying to be number one with interceptions. That's going to be our motive and that's what we want to do," answered Kazee in regard to the aspirations of the Steelers' secondary in 2023.
What Role Will Kazee Play For The Steelers In 2023?
While Kazee is unsure of the exact role he will play for the Steelers this upcoming season, he is more than willing to play a variety of different positions, as described during the interview. This past season, Kazee played both traditional free safety as well as slot cornerback. With Edmunds being lost in free agency this offseason, he may be asked to take on an increased role in 2023 at safety.
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Steelers Safety, Damontae Kazee Is Poised To Prove Himself As An Every Down Player For The Steelers In 2023
When posed with the question of how the team plans to replace the productivity levels of both Edmunds and Sutton, Kazee's answer was straightforward, and most likely put a smile on the face of Head Coach, Mike Tomlin.
"Next man up at the end of the day. If you get called up to do that job, you gotta do that job. At the end of the day, we're up for it," said Kazee about how the Steelers will replace Edmunds and Sutton in 2023.
There is reason to believe that the Steelers may call upon Kazee to provide the same type of versatility in 2023 as he did in 2022. Fortunately, playing multiple positions is something that he feels comfortable with. In all likelihood, the Steelers will ask other defensive backs to adopt the same type of flexible mindset as Kazee, such as Peterson, Neal, and third-year player, Tre Norwood.
With All-Pro safety, Minkah Fitzpatrick poised to lead the team's defense to success this upcoming season, the Steelers should feel confident in their secondary at this point in the offseason. The veteran leadership brought to the table by Peterson will certainly help develop both Porter Jr. and Trice.
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Steelers Second-Round Pick, Joey Porter Jr. Will Have The Opportunity To Be An Immediate Contributor In 2023
Final Thoughts On The Steelers' Secondary And Kazee
Kazee may be a significant part in the team's defensive success in 2023, as his ability to play a variety of different roles may make him extremely valuable. He will most likely split time at safety with Neal, but may end up being a fixture on third downs due to his impressive ball-hawking skills. While he may not be a household name, Kazee still possesses the necessary attributes to help the team's defense maintain their reputation of being one of the most dominant in the entire NFL.
What are your thoughts on Kazee's comments? What do you believe his role for the Steelers will be in 2023? How confident are you in the team's secondary? Be sure to let us know in the comments!
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