The Pittsburgh Steelers drafted cornerback Cam Sutton in the third round of the 2017 NFL Draft. Sutton spent six seasons with Pittsburgh before joining the Detroit Lions in free agency on a three-year deal worth $33 million. After his first season with the Lions, Sutton faced legal issues when a warrant was issued for his arrest following a domestic battery charge. After failing to turn himself in, the Lions released him from the team.
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Pittsburgh Steelers cornerback Cameron Sutton intercepts a pass intended for Cincinnati Bengals wide receiver Tyler Boyd during the second quarter Sept. 11, 2022 in Cincinnati.
Sutton eventually turned himself in and entered a Domestic Violence Intervention Program. Upon completion, prosecution against him will be dismissed. The Steelers, needing help in their cornerback room and holding a longstanding positive relationship with Sutton, decided to give him a second chance.
In June, Sutton signed a one-year contract with the Steelers. Many speculated whether Sutton would face any punishment from the NFL for his legal issues. On Monday, NFL insider Ian Rapoport broke the news that Sutton would indeed face significant punishment from the NFL.
#Steelers CB Cameron Sutton is suspended without pay for the first eight games of 2024 for violating the NFL’s Personal Conduct Policy. The NFL investigated the March incident involving Sutton and determined he violated the Personal Conduct Policy.
— Ian Rapoport (@RapSheet) July 8, 2024
Sutton will be eligible for…
The NFL conducted its own investigation into Sutton and determined that he had indeed violated the league's personal conduct policy. The punishment was severe, with Sutton receiving an eight-game suspension, which is a significant blow for Pittsburgh.
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Steelers' Cam Sutton looks on during a game.
Sutton spent the majority of his career with the Steelers, starting off slowly with just eight starts in his first four seasons. However, in the 2021 and 2022 seasons, he emerged as a consistent starter and solid cornerback for Pittsburgh. After the 2022 season, Sutton opted to sign with the Lions in free agency.
Despite the Steelers' efforts to retain him with a significant offer, Sutton chose to move to Detroit to be closer to his family. Following his legal issues and with his NFL career in jeopardy, the Steelers decided to give Sutton a second chance and brought him back to Pittsburgh. Sutton expressed his excitement about rejoining his former team during a media interview after signing with the Steelers.
Steelers' Cornerback Room In Trouble After Cam Sutton’s Suspension
The Steelers' cornerback room looked strong if Sutton had avoided league punishment. Now, his absence for eight games poses a challenge. While the Steelers have solid cornerbacks in Joey Porter Jr. and Donte Jackson, they will need to rely on their depth chart to fill the void left by Sutton's suspension.
The Steelers feel confident in what they have with Porter and Jackson. However, with Sutton's eight-game suspension now final and him not appealing it, Pittsburgh might consider reaching out to former defensive back Patrick Peterson to fill the void.
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Former Steelers DB Patrick Peterson runs off the field in Pittsburgh after a win.
Peterson has expressed a strong desire to rejoin the Steelers, but no moves have been made yet. Sutton's suspension may increase the likelihood of the Steelers bringing Peterson back. If they choose not to, they will have to rely on younger, less proven talent to support the secondary during Sutton's absence. As it stands now, bringing back Peterson would provide Pittsburgh with a veteran in the room and someone who is capable of helping the team during this time.
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