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Browns sign former Steelers star to bolster defense behind Myles Garrett

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The Sporting News
7h ago

The Cleveland Browns have signed free agent safety Damontae Kazee to strengthen their defense, particularly behind star player Myles Garrett. Kazee, who joined the Pittsburgh Steelers in 2022, recorded five interceptions during his tenure there and was one of two safeties signed by the Browns, with the other being Rayshawn Jenkins. This strategic move comes in response to the Browns' need to bolster their defensive lineup, especially following the loss of linebacker Jeremiah Owusu-Koromoah for the season due to a neck injury. In an interesting twist, the Steelers had previously acquired former Browns safety Juan Thornhill earlier in the offseason, effectively creating a swap of safeties between the two teams. Kazee's career highlights include leading the league in interceptions in 2018 with the Atlanta Falcons and accumulating 363 tackles over 107 games in the NFL.

Browns sign former Steelers star to bolster defense behind Myles Garrett

Context:

The Cleveland Browns have signed free agent safety Damontae Kazee to strengthen their defense, particularly behind star player Myles Garrett. Kazee, who joined the Pittsburgh Steelers in 2022, recorded five interceptions during his tenure there and was one of two safeties signed by the Browns, with the other being Rayshawn Jenkins. This strategic move comes in response to the Browns' need to bolster their defensive lineup, especially following the loss of linebacker Jeremiah Owusu-Koromoah for the season due to a neck injury. In an interesting twist, the Steelers had previously acquired former Browns safety Juan Thornhill earlier in the offseason, effectively creating a swap of safeties between the two teams. Kazee's career highlights include leading the league in interceptions in 2018 with the Atlanta Falcons and accumulating 363 tackles over 107 games in the NFL.

Dive Deeper:

  • The Cleveland Browns signed Damontae Kazee, a free agent safety, to enhance their defense, following his recent stint with the Pittsburgh Steelers where he managed five interceptions over three seasons.

  • Kazee's addition, alongside Rayshawn Jenkins, indicates the Browns' efforts to address their defensive weaknesses, particularly after losing linebacker Jeremiah Owusu-Koromoah to a season-ending injury.

  • The Browns' acquisition of Kazee comes as part of a broader trend, as the Steelers signed the Browns' former safety Juan Thornhill, effectively swapping defensive talents between the rival teams.

  • Kazee's NFL career began with the Atlanta Falcons, where he led the league in interceptions in 2018, showcasing his potential as a significant defensive asset.

  • Throughout his professional career, Kazee has accumulated an impressive record of 363 tackles in 107 games, highlighting his experience and capability on the field.

  • The Cleveland Browns picked up a former starter from their division rival on Monday.

  • They signed free agent safety Damontae Kazee to try and give their defense a boost on the back end. The deal was first reported by NFL Network's Mike Garafolo.

  • Kazee joined the Steelers in 2022 and had five interceptions across his three seasons in Pittsburgh.

  • He was actually one of two safeties the Browns signed on Monday, along with Rayshawn Jenkins. Clearly, that's an area Cleveland felt it needed an upgrade.

  • Ironically, the Steelers signed former Browns safety Juan Thornhill earlier this offseason. It works out to a bit of a swap.

  • MORE: Steelers, Aaron Rodgers on verge of major announcement

  • Kazee played his first four NFL seasons with the Falcons, leading the league in interceptions in 2018 with seven.

  • He then played a year in Dallas before his three in Pittsburgh. 

  • Kazee has 363 career tackles in 107 games.

  • The Browns confirmed that Jeremiah Owusu-Koromoah is lost to season-ending implications of last season's neck injury, so at least they picked up a little defensive help in the meantime.

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