Steelers are given mediocre grades for most of their free agent signings

Steelers grade for re-signing Damontae Kazee

Contract: 2 years, 6 million dollars, 1.75 million dollar signing bonus

Grade: B-

I for one was thrilled with what the Steelers got out of Damontae Kazee last year. Once he got onto the field, he was a viable starter and versatile player in the defensive backfield. He could fill in the slot and play either safety spot, leading to this team deploying a lot of three-safety sets.

While Kazee would likely be better suited as that third safety, I am confident he can start in a pinch. That may end up being the case, as the team is currently lacking any viable starters at strong safety. If the team needs him to, Kazee can start there for the year.

My issue is the value of the contract. While a potential starter, the safety market is very deflated this offseason. Outside of Jessie Bates, the top starters got anywhere from 6-7 million a season. Even Terrell Edmunds got less than Kazee, and I’m not sure he is a worse starter at this point in their careers. Three million for a starter isn’t a bad deal, but I think the team could have gotten better value elsewhere.

Despite this seeming like an overpay, I can’t be that upset with the deal. It is very team friendly and it seems like Kazee will play a big role for this defense this season. If it doesn’t work out, the Steelers can part ways very easily next season. That said, I feel like the team could have gotten a better value elsewhere.