The Steelers' Failure To Draft A Top CB "Might Say Something About Cam Sutton"

The Pittsburgh Steelers did not prioritize cornerback during the 2024 NFL Draft as many fans believed they would. While they did draft Ryan Watts in the sixth round out of Texas, many fans hoped they would nab one of the top corners in the draft like Ga'Quincy "Kool-Aid" McKinstry or Cooper DeJean. 

The concern for the position stems largely from the fact that the only known quantity they have locked in as a starter is Joey Porter Jr. Porter was drafted in the second round in 2023, and after being eased into the season, he ultimately ended up starting. The Steelers chose to release veteran Patrick Peterson after only one season and let Levi Wallace test free agency. He was ultimately signed by the Denver Broncos. 

The Steelers have Cory Trice Jr., Darius Rush, and newly acquired Donte Jackson on the roster. Trice, a seventh-round pick last year, suffered an injury during training camp and has yet to play in any games. Rush was claimed off waivers in 2023 after the Indianapolis Colts drafted him in the fifth round. He lacks a ton of professional experience like Trice, which makes it difficult to put your eggs in their baskets.

Jackson is a more well-known commodity. He is entering his seventh year in the league and was acquired during a trade with the Carolina Panthers for wide receiver Diontae Johnson. All of this uncertainty about the position has rumors circulating that the team might choose to re-sign a former player. Peterson is an option that makes a lot of sense. The Steelers could bring him back on a cheaper contract, and he is familiar with the defense. The other name that continues to come up is former Steelers defensive back, Cameron Sutton.   

A comment by Gerry Dulac, Steelers reporter from the Pittsburgh Post-Gazette, certainly makes that option seem more possible. In his recent chat column, Dulac was asked by a fan if the non-prioritization of cornerback in the draft is a sign that the organization has serious faith in Trice and Rush. Dulac sees it differently. 

"I think it might say something about Cam Sutton," commented Dulac.

Sutton was drafted by the Steelers in the third round of 2017. He ended up signing a three-year deal with the Detroit Lions before the 2023 season as a free agent and had a subpar year, making 65 tackles, one interception, and one forced fumble. Unfortunately, an arrest warrant for domestic abuse was issued for Sutton from Florida. He did not immediately turn himself into the police, and a manhunt began. The Lions ultimately released him, and now Sutton finds himself without a team for 2024.  

Sutton finally turned himself in on Easter Sunday and agreed to enter a pretrial domestic violence program. The Steelers reportedly met with Sutton to discuss his situation and his potential return to Pittsburgh. The team will definitely be cautious. While he might make sense, it would be counterproductive and waste time and money if he was suspended.  

Dulac was also asked in the chat if he thinks the return of Sutton is a real possibility. He gave a tongue-in-cheek answer, saying he's sure it isn't a "fabrication," indicating we will have to see. The wait-and-see answer is also what General Manager Omar Khan said when he was asked about Sutton during a recent press conference. 

Steelers Fans Forgetting About Donte Jackson?

As mentioned, the Steelers traded for Jackson earlier this offseason. The story goes that Head Coach Mike Tomlin saw Jackson run a 4.31 in the 40-yard dash at the NFL Combine in 2018 and wanted him. Unfortunately, the Steelers missed him in the draft that year as the Panthers snatched him up. So when the opportunity arose to get Jackson, the Steelers jumped at the chance. 

The trade gave the Steelers organization a player they wanted, moved on from someone who'd become a malcontent in Johnson, and even saved a little cap space. Dulac mentioned during that same chat that he feels like fans are forgetting how much of a help Jackson could be. At only 28, Dulac agreed, he is someone who is a positive team player and he was graded higher than any Steelers cornerback in 2023, except Porter, by Pro Football Focus, and did it all on the Panthers. 

Jackson performed at a high level during his first five seasons, recording multiple interceptions each year. In 2023, he logged over 900 snaps and helped them surrender the third-lowest passing yards in the league that year.  

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