Steelers' Signing Of Cam Sutton Is Fail-Proof: "No Downside In It Whatsoever"

The Pittsburgh Steelers made yet another offseason addition to the defense, re-signing cornerback Cam Sutton to a one-year veteran minimum deal. After a rough season with the Detroit Lions that saw him allow a completion percentage of 61.4%, the 29-year-old Sutton returns to the team that drafted him for a chance at redemption. 

Sutton played with the Steelers for six seasons from 2017-2022, being utilized in multiple positions in the secondary. At the conclusion of the 2022 season, Sutton hit the free agent market making the trip north to Detroit after signing a three-year $33 million deal. After struggling playing on the outside, and having off-the-field issues that involved a warrant for his arrest, he was released and signed with the Steelers.

Sutton is most likely to fill in at his more comfortable spot in the slot corner position. This allows second-year player Joey Porter Jr. and offseason addition Donte Jackson to patrol the outside. This is the position that Sutton thrived in during his time in Pittsburgh, and where he should be able to excel in a position of need.

Despite the low risk - high reward signing, there has been plenty of criticism surrounding Sutton's return to Pittsburgh. Mark Kaboly of The Athletic, had an opportunity to defend the signing during an interview with Joe Starkey on 93.7 The Fan.

"I see no downside in it whatsoever. If you're looking for something to complain about with the Cam Sutton signing, then you hate your life. He's probably making the league minimum."

The price tag is the first thing to look at in the Sutton deal, and since the price was announced to the public of a one-year $1.2 million contract, there is little risk involved. It also keeps the door open that the Steelers can still make other moves if they feel that a hole still exists at the position. Given the ability that he brings to the table, and the need he fills, it seems well worth the cost of admission. 

Versatility is a trait the Steelers love having in their players, and something that Kaboly believes Sutton still has.

"He can play inside and outside. Okay, if he stinks, cut him. Who cares? No skin off your teeth whatsoever."

What Can Sutton Bring To The Steelers?

Apart from the position of need, Sutton provides one thing that the majority of the cornerback room doesn't have; experience in the system. Porter has only played one season in Teryl Austin's system, and Jackson, being a new addition himself, has little experience with what Austin likes to do. The rest of the depth listed behind them is in the same boat. With Sutton's four years working with Austin, dating back to his time as a defensive backs coach, that is experience you just can't buy.

Sutton also bring continuity with other players on the defense. Based on comments already made by players like Minkah Fitzpatrick, it's clear that the veterans are happy to have a player of Sutton's caliber back on defense. Sutton brought a lot of consistency before his departure to Detroit. In his final season in Pittsburgh, he had a career high three interceptions and 15 passes defended. Though he won't be expected to make the same major contributions, the Steelers won't be opposed to get it two seasons later.

Pittsburgh's defense excelled in 2023 putting pressure on the quarterback, but struggled at times in coverage. They allowed the third most yards per reception to receivers lined up outside at 14.6 yards per catch, and was 21st in third down conversions in 2023. The Steelers hope they did enough to shore up the porous secondary, and that players like Fitzpatrick and Porter Jr. can make the impact that they have in prior seasons. Sutton isn't the final piece of the puzzle, but the hope is that he will be able to solve one more problem on the field for the team as a whole.

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