Cleveland Browns Sign Damontae Kazee
CLEVELAND, Ohio — The Cleveland Browns welcomed new safety Damontae Kazee to their offseason program this week, where he’ll reunite with some familiar faces.
New Addition from the Steelers
On Monday, the team signed Kazee, a nine-year veteran who will celebrate his 32nd birthday on June 5th. Standing at 5’11” and weighing 174 pounds, he joins a roster featuring several former Steelers, including quarterback Kenny Pickett, receiver Diontae Johnson, and linebacker Devin Bush.
Veteran Safety Rayshawn Jenkins Joins
Additionally, the Browns signed veteran safety Rayshawn Jenkins, who is 31. A source informed cleveland.com of this move, which was later announced by the team. Jenkins, a fourth-round pick by the Chargers in 2017 from Miami, had previously visited the Browns during free agency.
Jenkins’ Career Stats
Jenkins, measuring 6’1″ and weighing 220 pounds, has played for the Chargers (2017-2020), Jaguars (2021-2023), and Seahawks (2024). His career stats include 500 tackles, 3.5 sacks, 33 pass deflections, and 10 interceptions, showcasing his strength as a box safety, while Kazee tends to operate as a roaming free safety.
Performance and Background
Last season, Jenkins played in 13 games with the Seahawks, achieving 33 tackles, two sacks, and one fumble recovery. Kazee was a fifth-round pick by the Falcons in 2017, spending four seasons in Atlanta, followed by stints in Dallas and with the Steelers before joining the Browns.
New Tryout Receivers Added
Along with Kazee and Jenkins, the Browns also signed tryout receivers Luke Floriea from Kent State, Kisean Johnson from Western Kentucky, and Cade McDonald from Miami of Ohio. These players demonstrated impressive skills during the rookie minicamp, connecting on several big plays with quarterbacks Dillon Gabriel and Shedeur Sanders.
Kazee’s Controversial Past
Kazee led the NFL with seven interceptions in 2018 but has encountered various issues throughout his career, including a DUI charge in 2021 and a three-game suspension in 2022 for violating the league’s substance abuse policy. Last season, he was ejected for a helmet-to-helmet hit but participated in the playoffs. In matchups against the Browns, he helped the Steelers achieve a 3-3 record with two interceptions and other notable plays, joining a safety lineup that includes Grant Delpit, Ronnie Hickman, and others.
