Steelers' Mike Tomlin Said The Team Is Satisfied With "Due Diligence" On Cam Sutton's Legal Battle

The Pittsburgh Steelers took a gamble on a familiar face recently, reuniting with cornerback Cam Sutton.  Drafted by the team in the third round in 2017, Sutton and Pittsburgh had a solid working relationship. While the Steelers relied on his consistency, they weren't willing to offer him the contract he desired. A free agent after the 2022 season, Sutton signed a three-year deal for roughly $33 million with the Detroit Lions. 

Unfortunately, after only one somewhat lackluster season in Detroit, Sutton was released from the team. His release came on the heels of charges of domestic violence and aggravated battery. Sutton only escalated the situation by choosing to run, rather than turn himself into the sheriff's office. 

He ultimately turned himself in, and the charges were reduced from felony to misdemeanor. However, the NFL does its own research and metes out its own punishment. Based on prior situations, Sutton is likely facing at least a six-game suspension from the league. 

According to Head Coach Mike Tomlin, the Steelers chose to bring Sutton back based on their history and prior relationship. Tomlin addressed the Sutton questions during a media session, as seen in a video posted to X by ESPN's Brooke Pryor. 

"It's not any conversations that we had recently. It's the totality of our relationship. I met this guy in Knoxville six, seven years ago, when he came out of school. He's a great guy, he loves football," said Tomlin. "It's probably the totality of our relationship, and I think I represent the sentiment of the organization in saying that. It's less about specific conversations, particularly of late, than about the relationship established over a longer period of time."

Before the announcement that they were re-signing Sutton, there was debate regarding which veteran cornerback was more likely to return: Sutton or Patrick Peterson. Peterson, who is older than Sutton, stepped up in 2023, willing to move all over the secondary and mentor younger players. However, as soon as Sutton became available again, and now at a much lower cost, the Steelers jumped at the chance. 

During the media session, Tomlin was asked if that legal situation gave them pause. He said it did and called what the team did "due diligence," saying that is what is supposed to happen. 

"Obviously, he's here," said Tomlin in response to being asked if he was satisfied with their due diligence.

While the fans and the media may not have been notified about Sutton's possible suspension, most insiders feel the team has a pretty good idea. The Rooney family has been in the league for over 90 years and has respect and connections. 

That makes it likely that the suspension will not be for a whole season or even the majority. It is hard to imagine the Steelers would have signed a player they can't use when the team's depth at the cornerback position was needed this offseason. 

Steelers' Secondary Got A Whole Lot Better

While the addition of Sutton raises concerns about suspension and his legal status, purely from a game sense, it does help the defense to have him out there. 

Joey Porter Jr. is entering his second year with the team and is expected to continue to grow in leaps and bounds. He and newly acquired Donte Jackson will cover the outsides of the field, allowing Sutton to step up as a reliable slot corner.  

What do you think about the Steelers bringing Sutton back? Do you think that the team knows how long he will be suspended? Click to comment below. 

#SteelerNation