The Detroit Lions have signed former Pittsburgh Steelers safety Damontae Kazee to their practice squad. The move follows the season-ending Achilles injury of starting safety Brian Branch, with Kazee expected to help fill the void in Detroit’s secondary. His arrival comes ahead of a Week 16 matchup against his former team, the Steelers.
Kazee, 32, has been looking for a new team since leaving the Cleveland Browns last month. He joined the Browns in May but did not record any statistics over four games, making the Lions his latest opportunity to return to regular NFL action.
Damontae Kazee (NFL)Kazee’s NFL Journey: From Atlanta and Pittsburgh to Strengthening Detroit’s Defensive Backfield
Kazee spent three seasons with the Pittsburgh Steelers (2022–2024), playing in 38 games and starting 14. While primarily a backup to Minkah Fitzpatrick, he totaled 112 tackles, five interceptions, seven passes defensed, and two fumble recoveries. His playing time declined in 2024 due to a healthier Fitzpatrick and the addition of strong safety DeShon Elliott.
Kazee was drafted by the Atlanta Falcons in the fifth round of the 2017 NFL Draft. He played four seasons in Atlanta before joining the Dallas Cowboys in 2021. After Pittsburgh replaced him with Juan Thornhill, Kazee entered free agency, which now led to his new role with Detroit.
A San Bernardino, California native, Kazee has amassed 363 career tackles, 17 interceptions, 24 passes defensed, eight forced fumbles, and two fumble recoveries. With his experience, Kazee offers the Lions a reliable defensive option as they navigate injuries and prepare for crucial upcoming games.
