The Detroit Lions have added much-needed depth to their injury-depleted secondary, signing veteran safety Damontae Kazee to the practice squad. The move comes as Detroit continues to navigate a growing list of defensive absences late in the season.
Kazee, 32, joins the organization with significant NFL experience and a proven playmaking résumé. According to NFL Network, the Lions are hopeful he can transition quickly into their system and potentially contribute on the active roster in the near future.
A former league leader in interceptions, Kazee topped the NFL with seven picks in 2018, showcasing his ball-hawking instincts and ability to impact games in coverage. Detroit’s defense, which has struggled with both consistency and health, could benefit from his veteran presence.
Kazee briefly suited up for the Cleveland Browns earlier this season, appearing in four games before being released. Despite limited snaps, he remained a dependable depth option with special teams value and positional versatility.
Prior to his stint in Cleveland, Kazee spent time with the Pittsburgh Steelers, Dallas Cowboys, and Atlanta Falcons, building a reputation as a smart and physical defensive back capable of playing multiple roles. His experience across several defensive schemes could help ease his transition to Detroit.
With the Lions fighting to stabilize their defensive backfield, the team is expected to evaluate Kazee’s readiness in practice this week. If he acclimates quickly, he may find himself elevated to the active roster sooner rather than later as Detroit searches for solutions on the back end.
