It feels like it was only yesterday when the 2025 NFL free agency period began. Instead, that was almost two months ago, as the NFL draft and rookie minicamps have since come and gone, leaving only a few weeks before this year's organized team activities (OTAs) begin.
Dallas Cowboys fans won't have to wait for the next phase of the offseason. The Cowboys' OTAs will begin on Monday, May 19, giving fans two weeks to keep up with what else is going on around the league before the action resumes, which includes the latest NFL contract signed by a former Dallas player.
Former Cowboys S Damontae Kazee Signs With Browns Before OTAs
On Monday, NFL insider Mike Garafolo reported that the Cleveland Browns have signed former Cowboys safety Damontae Kazee to a one-year contract. The veteran defender will remain in the AFC North after spending the last three seasons with the Pittsburgh Steelers following a year in the Lone Star State.
The #Browns are signing veteran S Damontae Kazee today, source says. After three years with the #Steelers, Kazee heads elsewhere in the AFC North. pic.twitter.com/mGmImWwM5c
— Mike Garafolo (@MikeGarafolo) May 12, 2025
Kazee, 31, is a former 2017 fifth-round pick who spent four seasons with the Atlanta Falcons before joining the Cowboys ahead of the 2021 campaign. The signing reunited the ex-San Diego State product with former Falcons head coach Dan Quinn, who was joining Dallas as the new defensive coordinator.
Kazee ended up playing a big role in the Cowboys' secondary, starting in 15 of his 17 appearances that season. He used his wealth of opportunities to record 35 solo tackles, four defended passes, two interceptions, and a pair of forced fumbles, while also playing to a 61.8 defense grade on Pro Football Focus.
Having said that, Kazee's time in Dallas was far from perfect. He was arrested in October 2021 for driving while intoxicated in the Dallas area, potentially playing a role in the Cowboys' refusal to re-sign him when he hit the open market.
Since leaving the Cowboys, Kazee only ended up starting 14 times in his 38 appearances in a Steelers jersey. He recorded 79 solo tackles, seven defended passes, five INTs, and two fumble recoveries; however, his reliability decreased with each passing year, culminating in a career-worst 56.4 PFF coverage grade last season.
Time will tell if a fresh start helps the ex-Cowboys safety get back on track. The Browns finished 2024 with the fourth-worst PFF coverage grade in the league, making it interesting to see if Kazee will be part of the solution or not.
It's always nice to see a former Cowboys player experience good news, and Kazee is no different. Hopefully, his Browns tenure lasts, and he won't have to look for another NFL contract until next offseason at the earliest.