The Detroit Lions finally made a move to add back to their safety room ahead of a week of practice, signing Damontae Kazee to their practice squad. Previously with the Cleveland Browns, Kazee hasn't gotten much burn in 2025 with just four games under his belt with the AFC North squad.
The Lions, per NFL Network's Ian Rapoport, are expected to elevate Kazee pretty quickly because of how strapped they are for any healthy safeties as they prepare for their Week 15 game against the Los Angeles Rams. Amid injuries to Kerby Joseph, Brian Branch, and potentially Thomas Harper, the team had to make a move fast to prepare their defense for this critical match.
While Kazee has gotten burn this season and has experience as a starter with the Pittsburgh Steelers, Atlanta Falcons, and Dallas Cowboys, it does feel like the Lions ran out of options with this signing - which is to be expected with only five games left.
Lions execute lukewarm signing ahead of Week 15 vs. Rams
Kazee is just one of a few safeties that were available to sign, with the name topping that list being Justin Simmons. The former Atlanta Falcons defender most recently won an All-Pro honor in 2023, but hasn't played at all this season and would be coming in extremely cold compared to Kazee. However, Kazee hadn't provided much at all to the Browns through his four games with the team, and it's unclear how much the 32 year old has left in the tank at backup.
Kazee is likely most recognizable for a less than stellar football headline, as he was suspended back in 2023 for the remainder of his season and any postseason games with the Pittsburgh Steelers for risking player safety and health with his play. While head coach Dan Campbell loves hard-hitting defenders, he does not love defenders who don't think about their hits.
READ MORE: Assessment of Dan Campbell says it all about the expectation level for the Lions
Still, Kazee has proven in recent seasons with the Steelers to still be solid as a turnover generating safety and tackler. Detroit has struggled in recent weeks with their pass defense far more than with their run defense, and Kazee is probably expected to help out in that regard with fresh legs on the road against Los Angeles this coming weekend.
We still don't know the status of Harper or Joseph for this upcoming contest, but it's fair to imagine that Kazee will get some snaps behind Avonte Maddox and Amik Robertson.