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Cleveland Browns sign former AFC North rival’s defensive playmaker to fill need they neglected in the NFL draft

Originally posted on A to Z Sports | By Brandon Little | Last updated May 12, 2025 3:40 PM ET

The Cleveland Browns made two trades in the 2025 NFL Draft, resulting in seven picks instead of the 10 originally scheduled for them. Cleveland also picked up a first-round pick next year in the process.

Due to having fewer picks, there were areas of the roster that the Browns could not address. Cleveland doubled up on running back and quarterback as well, so that was a part of it.

Following the draft, the Browns still needed to add depth on the defensive at safety especially. They’ve now done that.

Browns sign former Pittsburgh Steelers S Damontae Kazee to bring depth to their defense

After losing Juan Thornhill and D’Anthony Bell from last year’s roster, the Browns need more safety depth behind Grant Delpit. Cleveland has signed S Damontae Kazee to a one-year deal, according to NFL Network’s Mike Garafalo. Kazee spent the last three years with the Steelers, so it is a move across the AFC North for the veteran.

The #Browns are signing veteran S Damontae Kazee today, source says. After three years with the #Steelers, Kazee heads elsewhere in the AFC North. pic.twitter.com/mGmImWwM5c
— Mike Garafolo (@MikeGarafolo) May 12, 2025

Kazee started 14 out of 38 games with the Steelers over the last three years and made five of his 10 career interceptions during that time. Kazee is a former fifth-round draft pick of the Atlanta Falcons back in 2017 and he started 34 games for them over four years. Kazee’s best season came in 2018 when he grabbed seven interceptions.

The scoop on Kazee from Steelers writer Rob Gregson:

“Damontae Kazee was supposed to be the third man in the Steelers' big nickel package of Kazee, Fitzpatrick, and Keanu Neal, the latter of whom has retired. But after Neal suffered an injury that placed him on the injured reserve in 2023, Kazee was thrust into the starting strong safety role.

His most notable play and contribution came from his hit on Indianapolis Colts WR Michael Pittman Jr., one that caused him to be suspended and make Pittsburgh sign DeShon Elliott in the offseason to be their starter alongside Minkah in 2024.

Because of that and some injuries Kazee was largely phased out in 2024. He was open about how he became hesitant in his play after the suspension due to what he believed were his attempts to make a routine tackle.

He’s not the player that rose to prominence as a ball hawk with the Atlanta Falcons, but he’s a fine replacement for Juan Thornhill in what has become a swap of reserve safeties between the Browns and Steelers.” — Rob Gregson, A to Z Sports Pittsburgh

The Browns value Delpit as the lead safety and may be going with a bit of a rotation opposite of him. Expect the former Steeler to be a part of that.

This article first appeared on A to Z Sports and was syndicated with permission.

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