The Cleveland Browns are bolstering their secondary by signing veteran safety Damontae Kazee, as confirmed by a league source. Kazee, who is 31 years old, has spent the last three seasons with the Pittsburgh Steelers, starting five games during his tenure. The Browns faced a significant need for depth at the safety position following the offseason departures of Juan Thornhill, who signed with the Steelers, and Rodney McLeod, who is retiring after 13 years in the NFL.

This move signals Cleveland's commitment to strengthening their defense, especially after Kazee's recent suspension for the last three games of the previous season due to a violation of league policies. His experience could prove invaluable as the Browns look to maintain a competitive edge in the tough AFC North.

After a strategic overhaul initiated by the Pittsburgh Steelers during the 2025 NFL draft, the team has set its sights on revitalizing its defense. With the release of defensive back Ryan Watt and defensive tackle Montravius Adams, the Steelers are poised to make significant changes ahead of the upcoming season.

The defensive line will feature Cameron Heyward, Keeanu Benton, and first-round pick Derrick Harmon, recently drafted to fill the void left by Larry Ogunjobi. The edge rush will be spearheaded by T.J. Watt and Alex Highsmith, forming a formidable duo. Inside linebackers Payton Wilson and Patrick Queen promise to bring speed and agility to the core of the defense.

In the secondary, the cornerback lineup includes Joey Porter Jr., Darius Slay, and Beanie Bishop, while Minkah Fitzpatrick and DeShon Elliott will anchor the safety positions, bolstered by the addition of Juan Thornhill, who will play a critical role in the Big Nickel package. With these alterations, the Steelers are determined to enhance their defensive capabilities and make a strong playoff push this season.

The Pittsburgh Steelers have made strategic moves this offseason by signing defensive lineman Daniel Ekuale and safety Juan Thornhill to one-year contracts, aiming to bolster their defense. Ekuale, previously a starter for the New England Patriots, joins on a $2.8 million deal, with a $1.63 million signing bonus guaranteed. His contract structure likely exempts him from the compensatory draft pick formula in 2026, allowing the Steelers to retain flexibility in their draft strategy.

Thornhill, who started for the Cleveland Browns over the past two seasons, has signed for $3 million, featuring a $1.83 million guaranteed signing bonus. Though closer to the compensatory pick threshold, he too is expected to be exempt from impacting their compensatory picks. As the Steelers navigate the complexities of the compensatory pick formula, they are positioned to potentially gain more picks rather than losing any due to these signings.

The Cleveland Browns are gearing up for the 2025 NFL draft as they look to fill the void left by former safety Juan Thornhill, who has signed with the Pittsburgh Steelers. Thornhill's departure highlights a pressing need for the Browns to solidify their secondary. Currently, the team is relying on three undrafted free agents, which showcases the urgency in finding a long-term solution.

The article outlines five potential safety prospects for the Browns to target, including Xavier Watts from Notre Dame, who boasts an impressive track record with multiple interceptions and strong coverage skills. Other recommendations include Andrew Mukuba (Texas) and Malachi Moore (Alabama), both of whom offer significant experience and versatility. Each prospect brings unique skills that could enhance the Browns' defensive strategy as they seek to improve communication and execution on the field.

The Kansas City Chiefs are facing significant changes in their defense as two of their prominent former players move on to new teams. Linebacker Willie Gay Jr. has signed a one-year deal with the Miami Dolphins after a season with the New Orleans Saints, where he recorded 28 tackles, two sacks, and three passes defended. Similarly, safety Juan Thornhill has joined the Pittsburgh Steelers, aiming to reclaim the success he enjoyed during his time with the Chiefs. Thornhill, who previously dealt with injuries while with the Cleveland Browns, brings a wealth of experience, including two Super Bowl victories with Kansas City, and aims to bolster the Steelers' defense.