Steelers Could Be Relying On The Polarizing Cam Sutton To Replace Some Unlikely Defensive Backs

The Pittsburgh Steelers were more active than usual during the 2024 offseason, in free agency and through trades. The organization added big pieces like Patrick Queen, DeShon Elliott, and Russell Wilson. However, General Manager Omar Khan also made a controversial decision by bringing back defensive back Cam Sutton. Sutton was in the headlines over the offseason for some off-the-field issues, which ultimately led to his release from the Detroit Lions. 

Needless to say, the events of the 2024 offseason for Sutton didn't paint him in a great light, which is why him signing in Pittsburgh was controversial. The organization knew he would face some form of punishment from the league for his actions, which wound up being an eight-game suspension. This suspension is now over and the defensive back will be returning after the bye week. 

It's certainly unclear how much, or where, Sutton will play upon his return. He is naturally a slot cornerback, but Pittsburgh has been relying on undrafted rookie Beanie Bishop Jr. at that spot. Bishop was just crowned the NFL's Defensive Rookie of the Month for October, so it may be a bit difficult to unseat him. Insider Ray Fittipaldo was on 93.7 The Fan on Thursday where he shared some thoughts on what the team might do with Sutton once he returns.

"When I think of Cam Sutton, I think of a guy who can play all over the secondary," Fittipaldo said. "He can play outside for you if Joey Porter Jr. or Donte Jackson get hurt. He can play inside, he can bump Beanie Bishop out of his spot, or he can play safety. I think we saw late in that [New York Giants] game, was it [Terrell] Edmunds' guy? Who he lost down the seam? And there was a big play that got them going late in that game. Very easily you can see Cam Sutton go in there for a guy like Edmunds, even [Damontae] Kazee, he's had his issues in coverage."

Bishop has played extremely well over the last two weeks, which means it is unlikely Sutton replaces him in the starting lineup, even though that is what the coaching staff probably hoped to do. This doesn't mean Sutton isn't valuable. He has the ability to be the main backup behind Bishop, Joey Porter Jr., and Donte Jackson. He played outside corner during his time in Detroit, so he has plenty of experience there.

Pittsburgh has been relying on a mixture of Damontae Kazee and Terrell Edmunds as their sixth defensive back in the team's dime package. That sixth spot will likely be filled by Sutton from here on out, as Fittipaldo said. Both Kazee and Edmunds have had too many issues in coverage, and Sutton could help sure that part of Pittsburgh's defense up -- at least until Cory Trice Jr. is able to return.

Steelers' Beanie Bishop Jr. Has Been Learning From Cam Sutton

With Sutton coming back for Pittsburgh's Week 10 game against the Washington Commanders, Bishop could easily feel threatened. Bishop is an undrafted rookie who probably won't feel any sense of job security until het gets another contract, but he isn't changing his approach with the veteran coming back into the fold. 

Bishop has certainly struggled at times throughout the season and he has clearly been picked on by opposing teams. He has given himself some confidence by securing three interceptions over the last two weeks, which has him near the top of the NFL's leaderboard. If the young rookie can continue to improve, he should be able to secure his starting role, even with Sutton coming back.

Fittipaldo clearly believes Sutton is more likely to be a serviceable backup and replace Edmunds and Kazee in certain packages, while Bishop is likely to retain his starting job.

What do you think the Steelers should do once Sutton comes back after his suspension? Let us know in the comments below!

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