The Dallas Cowboys are giving Dan Quinn another one of his starters to help implement his system.
Quinn and the Cowboys already signed Keanu Neal, adding to their depth chart at safety and a hybrid linebacker position. Now, Dallas has signed one of Neal’s former (and now current) teammate.
Kazee was one of two players to visit the Cowboys in the last week, with Malik Hooker joining him in that department. It’s clear the Cowboys don’t fully trust their defense as currently constructed, and putting some familiar faces in place that know Quinn’s system is ideal in implementing it as quickly as possible come training camp.
Cowboys: Damontae Kazee reunites with Dan Quinn in Dallas
Kazee played in every game during his first three seasons in Atlanta, but then suffered a season-ending ACL injury in 2020. The Falcons secondary — and defense as a whole — struggled as a result.
For the 27-year-old, it’ll be far easier to round into form after playing only four games in 2020 in the system he’s been in his entire career. Hence the decision from Kazee, who will likely take over the starting safety position in Dallas come 2021.
Kazee had 10 interceptions in the 2018 and 2019 seasons, tied for the NFL lead at the position. He’s a ballhawk when called upon, and the Cowboys have notoriously struggled to produce turnovers, especially under Mike Nolan in 2020.
On a one-year contract, Kazee will get to prove himself coming off injury and perhaps secure an even larger deal in his late 20’s come 2022.