The Detroit Lions wasted no time addressing the massive hole left in their secondary after Brian Branch was ruled out for the remainder of the 2025 season with a torn Achilles. And now we know their plan.
According to multiple reports, Detroit is signing veteran safety Damontae Kazee to the practice squad, a move that feels like a temporary label rather than a long-term home. If everything goes as expected, Kazee won’t be down there for long.
Kazee Expected to Be Elevated Quickly
NFL insider Ian Rapoport reported that the plan is for Kazee to get a quick runway to familiarize himself with defensive coordinator Kelvin Sheppard’s scheme before being elevated to the active roster. In other words: this is a formality. The Lions need help now, and Kazee brings exactly what they’re missing, experience, versatility, and someone who’s been through the NFL grind.
Veteran S Damontae Kazee, most recently with the #Browns, is signing with the #Lions practice squad, per me and @MikeGarafolo.
— Ian Rapoport (@RapSheet) December 8, 2025
The plan is for a quick elevation when he's ready, as Detroit recently lost Brian Branch for the season with a torn Achilles. pic.twitter.com/yXZkR1SSJq
Kazee, 32, was originally drafted by the Atlanta Falcons in the fifth round of the 2017 NFL Draft. From there, he carved out a productive career with stints in Dallas, Pittsburgh, and, most recently, Cleveland. Over his three seasons with the Steelers (2022–2024), Kazee appeared in 38 games with 14 starts, proving himself to be a reliable rotational piece who can step into various safety roles.
Replacing Brian Branch Won’t Be Easy
Let’s be honest: losing Brian Branch is devastating. The Lions built major portions of their secondary identity around his ability to:
- Line up anywhere
- Match up with receivers and tight ends
- Blitz from the slot
- Provide elite run support
Kazee is not Branch, few are, but he does check boxes Detroit desperately needs filled: he’s smart, experienced, and physical enough to stabilize the back end.
Why Kazee Makes Sense for Detroit
This move isn’t about finding a star. It’s about keeping the defense afloat while the Lions try to claw their way back into the NFC playoff picture. Kazee brings:
- Ball production (17 career interceptions)
- Veteran awareness
- Flexibility to play deep or near the line
- Special teams value
And perhaps most importantly: he’s available right now.
What Comes Next?
Expect Kazee to be elevated to the 53-man roster as soon as he’s absorbed the basics of Sheppard’s system. Detroit simply doesn’t have the luxury of waiting, not at this stage of the season, not with their playoff hopes hanging by a thread.
It’s not a flashy move, but it’s a necessary one, and if Kazee can provide steady snaps and limit big mistakes, the Lions will gladly take it.
Detroit has been searching for answers since Branch went down. Kazee might not be the long-term solution, but he’s the right-now solution, and that’s exactly what the Lions need.
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