Steelers' Damontae Kazee Not Threatened Following Secondary Overhaul

The Pittsburgh Steelers have become known over the past few seasons for being a team that is constantly in turnover. Several positional rooms have been turned over since Omar Khan was promoted to be the organization's new general manager. Though quarterback has been the headline of the 2023 offseason, the defensive secondary has had its fair share of change headed into 2024.

Heading into the offseason, the Steelers had multiple veterans in the secondary that they wished to move on from including Patrick Peterson and Levi Wallace. Wallace signed with the Denver Broncos, while Peterson remains a free agent, hoping to reunite with the Steelers for potentially one more season. 

The Steelers have responded by signing DeShon Elliott, who is coming from the Miami Dolphins, and acquiring the services of Donte Jackson from the Carolina Panthers in the trade for Diontae Johnson. Jackson's position is more defined due to the lack of depth at corner, but for Elliott, it's not so cut and dry. 

This can lead to turmoil for some as they are unsure of their status within the organization. But for Damontae Kazee; however, he can only focus on his production on the field and not the behind the scenes work.

In an interview with Joe Rutter of TribLive, Kazee discussed his confidence headed into the new season and the benefit of being a veteran player in the midst of a roster turnover. He touched on if he was ever concerned about the Steelers possibly moving on from him given the new personnel coming in on the defensive side of the ball.

"Never in my mind. If it happens, I know how to move. I'm a vet. I have no hate in my heart. Just move onto the next."

Kazee certainly knows what it's like to move during an NFL career. Kazee, now in his eighth year as a pro, has played for three different teams since being drafted in 2017, and would certainly like to remain in Pittsburgh for this season and beyond.

Kazee's Role With The Steelers in 2024

The signing of Elliott earlier certainly casts some doubt on Kazee's future in Pittsburgh. The Steelers already have a lock at the free safety position in Minkah Fitzpatrick, but are hoping for a consistent starter next to him. Kazee, who split some of those duties with Keanu Neal in 2023, missed time late in the year due to a suspension enforced following the game against the Indianapolis Colts. Neal has already been released by the Steelers, putting pressure on Kazee to avoid the same fate.

In two seasons with the Steelers, Kazee has started 15 of the 23 games he has played while recording four interceptions and two fumble recoveries. When on the field he has been productive, but at age 31, the concern is how much gas is in the tank, prompting the signing of Elliott who in contrast is 27 years old.

After being drafted by the Atlanta Falcons in 2017 and finishing out his rookie deal, Kazee signed with the Dallas Cowboys in 2021 and recorded 52 tackles, two interceptions while also forcing two fumbles. He signed with the Steelers on a one-year deal in 2022, before signing a two-year extension running through the end of 2024.

Defensive Coordinator Teryl Austin enjoys using three-safety sets and has plenty of flexibility now to utilize Fitzpatrick or Elliott in a sub-linebacker role. With three safeties, you have better coverage on the back end of a defense, and allow a little more leeway for corners in basic sets. 

This positional flexibility allows for a higher chance that Kazee will be guaranteed a roster spot for the upcoming season. It will then become up to Kazee to adjust to the new hitting rules employed by the NFL in an effort to sustain his career. 

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