The Dallas Cowboys have signed free agent Safety Damontae Kazee to a one-year contract. The veteran has spent four years with the Atlanta Falcons and now reunites with Dan Quinn, the new Cowboys Defensive Coordinator.
Kazee has started the last three seasons in Atlanta, playing alongside another new Cowboy in Keanu Neal. He was a 5th-round pick in 2017 and became a starter the following year when Neal suffered a Week One injury.
Now Kazee and Neal are both in Dallas as Dan Quinn looks to revamp one of the league’s worst defenses from 2020.
With Neal transitioning to linebacker for the Cowboys, Kazee will be joining a safety group that includes another new signing in Jayron Kearse. Still under contract from last year are Donovan Wilson, Darian Thompson, and Reggie Robinson.
Though he missed 12 games last year due to an Achilles injury, Damontae should be a favorite for a starting role with Dallas in 2021. He was tied for the league lead in 2018 with seven interceptions and could complement Donovan Wilson nicely as a ballhawk in the secondary.
Kazee turns 28 in June, making him a bit older than the typical fifth-year veteran. Nevertheless, he brings experience and proven play-making skills to the Cowboys defense. His arrival likely slams the door shut on any potential return for Xavier Woods, who currently remains unsigned as a free agent.
Hopefully Damontae Kazee, along with his former Falcons teammate and coaches, can help improve this Cowboys defense. If nothing else, this signing and other moves indicate a higher priority being placed on the safety position under Dan Quinn’s influence.
