Newsletter: Let's Discuss the Two Veteran Safety Additions

What the Browns have in Damontae Kazee and Rayshawn Jenkins.

SEATTLE, WASHINGTON - SEPTEMBER 22: Rayshawn Jenkins #2 of the Seattle Seahawks reacts during the first quarter against the Miami Dolphins at Lumen Field on September 22, 2024 in Seattle, Washington. (Photo by Rio Giancarlo/Getty Images)

I am here today to inform that I am constantly looking at how the Browns players, coaching staff, and front office evolves. Shocker, I know, but when you get a group now inside their sixth season together, which we know is rare in Cleveland, you try to pick up on the patterns. I am trying to evaluate their process throughout each cycle to see if there is evolution or stagnation.

Also, do not get me wrong here, I understand the theory that this granular analysis is trivial because we’re all frustrated right now following last season’s debacle. “Nothing matters until you solve quarterback” as they say. But there is more to this whole thing. It’s about general roster construction and I am here to keep notes on that.

I understand most Browns fans do not care about a mid-May signing of two low-level veteran safeties to round out the room, but I also know you guys are not the typical Browns fan. I know my readers care about the details. The deeper analysis, that’s why you’re here — I sure as hell know it isn’t because you think I’m cool.

Andrew Berry has left several position groups in the balance going into prior seasons (looking at you 2021 LBs, 2022 DTs, and 2024 RBs) so getting a sizable post-draft commitment to the safety room with two veterans is noteworthy and hopefully productive. You can’t always close every hole on a roster but attacking it with bargain bin veterans can up the baseline where needed.

Let’s check to see what the data and film tells us about the acquisitions of Damontae Kazee and Rayshawn Jenkins.

PITTSBURGH, PA - DECEMBER 07: Pittsburgh Steelers safety Damontae Kazee (23) runs onto the field during the regular season NFL football game between the New England Patriots and Pittsburgh Steelers on December 07, 2023 at Acrisure Stadium in Pittsburgh, PA. (Photo by Mark Alberti/Icon Sportswire via Getty Images)

Basically the Browns just swapped free safeties with Pittsburgh. Juan Thornhill is now at the rival and providing depth in the deep portions of the field and Kazee will do the same here in Cleveland.