There are several free agents in 2021 that have been linked to the Dallas Cowboys thanks to new Defensive Coordinator Dan Quinn. Now there’s a report that the team is interested in one of Quinn’s former Falcons players; fifth-year Safety Damontae Kazee.
Kazee was a 5th-round pick of Atlanta’s in 2017, drafted 42 slots before Dallas selected Xavier Woods that same year. Now after three years as a starter for the Falcons, could Damontae follow Quinn to Dallas and replace his former draft classmate as a starting safety?
After serving as a backup during his rookie season, Kazee was forced into duty in 2018 when Keanu Neal was injured in Week 1. Starting the next 15 games, Damontae registered seven interceptions to tie the NFL leaders that year. He added three more interceptions in 14 starts in 2019.
Unfortunately, his 2020 season was cut short after four games with an Achilles injury. But Kazee is reportedly good to go for next year and will be turning 28 in June.
Kazee is listed on the smaller side at just 5’11” and 174 lbs. But if he can bring that ballhawking ability to Dallas’ secondary then it would be a welcome addition after many years of struggling to create turnovers.
The Cowboys don’t seem too interested in re-signing Xavier Woods after his rough 2020 performance. He, like Cornerbacks Chidobe Awuzie and Jourdan Lewis, are all in precarious positions as free agent this year with suspect resumes.
One safety spot appears set for 2021 after Donovan Wilson’s emergence last season. We’ll see if this reported interest from the Cowboys towards Damontae Kazee leads to a new starting tandem.
