The Pittsburgh Steelers received unfortunate news on Monday when the NFL announced an eight-game suspension for recently re-signed cornerback Cam Sutton for the 2024 season. Sutton, who began his career with the Steelers, had always been valued by Pittsburgh. However, after the 2022 season, he left to join the Detroit Lions on a three-year, $33 million deal.
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Cornerback Cam Sutton prior to a Pittsburgh Steelers game.
Following legal troubles and an arrest warrant, the Lions released Sutton. Seizing the opportunity, Pittsburgh decided to give him a second chance, needing help in their cornerback room and feeling comfortable with Sutton due to their prior experience with him.
The NFL found Sutton in violation of its personal conduct policy, leaving the Steelers with a weak spot at the slot cornerback position for at least eight games in the upcoming season. Recent reports suggest that Pittsburgh might consider bringing back former cornerbacks Chandon Sullivan or Patrick Peterson. However, Steelers insider Brian Batko, speaking on 93.7 The Fan on Tuesday, downplayed the likelihood of adding Sullivan or Peterson to the roster.
"I still think that I wouldn't bet on that because if, if they would've preferred that option, then why wouldn't they have just done that instead of Sutton to begin with? You wouldn't even have had to deal with the bad look of signing him and the optics and the PR of it all.”
Batko believes that if Pittsburgh intended to bring back players like Sullivan or Peterson, they would have already done so, avoiding the negative backlash associated with signing a controversial player like Sutton.
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He does not expect the Steelers to seek any additional help for the slot cornerback position.
"So that kind of makes me think that they actually prefer Sutton maybe as a player, or at least at the price point that they're gonna have him and despite not having him now for the first eight games."
Steelers' Beanie Bishop Jr. Set To Take Advantage Of Cam Sutton's Punishment
If Batko's belief holds true and the Steelers do not seek help outside their depth chart, someone with limited experience will need to step up. The Steelers signed undrafted free agent Beanie Bishop Jr. after the 2024 NFL Draft. Bishop, who had a solid college career but fell out of the draft due to concerns about his size, is seen by some within the organization as a sneaky good player who could excel in the slot. With Sutton suspended, Bishop could get more opportunities.
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Steelers UDFA Beanie Bishop Jr. during Pittsburgh's 2024 Rookie Minicamp.
The Steelers have Joey Porter Jr. and Donte Jackson holding down the outside positions. However, if either Porter or Jackson suffers an injury, the Steelers' secondary could be in real trouble. Other options for the slot include veterans Josiah Scott and Grayland Arnold.
Pittsburgh has been scrambling to fill the slot position for several seasons. Sutton was a good option due to his versatility and familiarity with the team. Once he returns from suspension, the secondary should be in much better shape. However, Pittsburgh will have to manage the first eight games without him.
Arnold played in the slot for the Houston Texans during the 2023 season. While his production was not extraordinary, he knows the position and is a viable option. It will be exciting to see if Bishop can take advantage of his opportunity and secure the spot. While the Steelers have questions to answer at the nickelback position, Batko is not betting on Pittsburgh bringing back Peterson, Sullivan, or anyone else for that matter.
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