By Sunday 
When the Detroit Lions learned Brian Branch’s season was officially over because of a devastating Achilles injury, the timing couldn’t have been worse. A playoff push on the horizon, key defensive battles ahead, and suddenly — a major hole in the secondary.
But Detroit didn’t waste a second filling it.
Enter: Damontae Kazee, the veteran safety who’s gone from Steelers backup to the Lions’ newest lifeline.
A Move Made Out of Necessity — And Opportunity
The Lions signed Kazee to their practice squad with one goal in mind: stabilize a shaken secondary. Branch wasn’t just another starter; he was the rising star, the guy who made the defense feel faster, sharper, more dangerous.
Replacing that kind of presence? Nearly impossible.
But Detroit believes Kazee’s experience can soften the blow.
The 32-year-old has been searching for his next NFL home since parting ways with the Cleveland Browns last month. His stint in Cleveland didn’t amount to much — no recorded stats over four games — but it kept him in game shape and ready for a fresh role.
That opportunity is now wearing Honolulu blue.
A Career Built on Hustle, Instincts, and Being Ready When Called
Kazee is no stranger to stepping into high-pressure situations. His NFL journey has been a long, winding trek:
- Atlanta (2017–2020): Drafted in the fifth round and quickly became known for his ball-hawking instincts.
- Dallas (2021): A one-year stint that kept him relevant.
- Pittsburgh (2022–2024): Played 38 games, started 14, and filled in behind Minkah Fitzpatrick whenever needed.
And while his snaps decreased in 2024 — thanks to a healthy Fitzpatrick and the addition of DeShon Elliott — he still logged impressive career totals:
- 363 tackles
- 17 interceptions
- 24 passes defensed
- 8 forced fumbles
- 2 fumble recoveries
The Lions don’t need him to be a superstar. They just need someone who’s been there, who understands NFL speed, and who won’t crumble when the moment gets big.
Kazee checks all those boxes.
The Storyline Writes Itself: A Week 16 Reunion
As fate would have it, Detroit’s next matchup is against… the Pittsburgh Steelers.
You couldn’t script it better.
Kazee spent three seasons in that locker room. He knows the schemes, the tendencies, the play styles — and maybe, just maybe, that insider knowledge gives Detroit a small edge.
Sure, he’s starting on the practice squad, but in a secondary scrambling for stability, his elevation to the active roster feels more like a “when” than an “if.”
Why Detroit Fans Should Be Encouraged
Kazee isn’t replacing Brian Branch — nobody can do that midseason. But what he brings is experience, depth, and calm, which are exactly what the Lions need as injuries pile up.
He’s the plug-in veteran, the emergency spark, the guy who knows how to survive in this league.
Sometimes, that’s enough to keep a playoff run intact.