The Steelers didn't take a safety in the NFL Draft that completed Saturday. So, they did the next best thing and added a veteran in free agency hours after the draft ended.
The Steelers signed former Cowboys safety Damontae Kazee to a one-year deal, strengthening the depth of their secondary.
Kazee, who is entering his sixth NFL season, spent the 2021 season with the Cowboys, starting 15 games. He recorded 52 tackles with two interceptions, two forced fumbles and four pass defenses.
Kazee began his career as a fifth-round pick of the Falcons in 2017 and started 34 games in four seasons with Atlanta. He has eight career interceptions.
Kazee's signing comes less than a week after the Steelers also brought back starting strong safety Terrell Edmunds on a one-year deal, as well.
But Kazee is more of a free safety, giving the Steelers a true backup to Minkah Fitzpatrick, who is entering his fifth NFL season. Negotiations on that deal are expected to begin soon now that the draft has ended.
Fitzpatrick, a two-time All-Pro, is playing the 2022 season on his fifth-year option, but the Steelers would like to work out a long-term deal with him.
The Steelers also return veteran Miles Killebrew and 2021 seventh-round draft pick Tre Norwood at the position.
