Steelers' Fill-In For Cam Sutton Could Be Unexpected Reunion No One Saw Coming

Pittsburgh Steelers cornerback, Cameron Sutton has been suspended for the first eight games of the 2024 season. The team is now expected to bring in a solid depth piece to the secondary, considering the fact that Sutton won't be available to suit up until November. Many are expecting a reunion involving the franchise and either Patrick Peterson or Chandon Sullivan. If neither player is desired by the front office, however, there is an under-the-radar option that not many fans and analysts seem to be talking about.

Pittsburgh has always been about familiarity, and while Peterson could still be a formidable option, his age showed throughout the 2023 season. He has the ability to be versatile, but the Steelers may be looking for fresher legs. Sullivan is younger and knows the defense too, which could make him an attractive option. Based on how another former player's time ended in the Steel City, he has stayed out of the headlines as a potential fit.

In September of 2021, then-General Manager Kevin Colbert made a decision to bring in cornerback depth right before the regular season kicked off. He dealt a 2023 fifth-round pick to the Seattle Seahawks for Ahkello Witherspoon. It took the defender a bit of time to get up to speed, but at the end of the 2021 campaign, he emerged as one of the better performers in the secondary.

The relationship turned sour in 2022, due to Witherspoon's hamstring issue, and he ended up being released in May of 2023. This allowed the veteran to ink a deal with the Los Angeles Rams, and it was probably one of the best things that could have occurred for him. He got re-acclimated out West and turned into a difference-maker for Los Angeles.

Witherspoon impressed with the Rams. He made it a point to prove that he was fully recovered from his 2022 ailments and started all 17 games for Los Angeles. In addition to that, he had three interceptions, which tied his career high. He picked off three passes while only playing in nine games for the Steelers in 2021. It surely seems that, if healthy, Witherspoon can make an impact for a team in need.

Pittsburgh might just be that team. The front office liked him enough to give up draft capital in 2021 for him, so moving forward with a low-risk, high-reward move could be in the cards for General Manager Omar Khan. All of the attention is on both Peterson and Sullivan it seems, when in reality, Witherspoon might be the better fit when one is thinking about a reunion.

Witherspoon is on the right side of 30 at 29 years of age, is familiar with the Steelers, and would bring another veteran presence to the locker room. He is versatile enough to help in many different areas, and could certainly bridge the gap until Sutton returns later this year. Fans may scoff at the idea because of his injuries and poor play in 2022, but his performances for Pittsburgh in 2021 and Los Angeles in 2023 tell completely different stories.

Steelers Need Someone To Step Up In Sutton's Absence

Regardless of which player decides to step up while Sutton serves his suspension, Pittsburgh's defense is going to need someone to play well for eight weeks. Given Sutton's talent, he should end up being the starting slot corner once he is back and in football shape. The decision Khan makes to add another depth piece to the roster could be one of the most important of the 2024 season before it even begins.

Do you think Witherspoon would be a good fit to return to the Steelers? Let us know in the comments below!

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