The Pittsburgh Steelers surprised many fans by re-signing Cam Sutton during the 2024 offseason. After not bringing him back for the 2023 season, Sutton struggled as an outside corner for the Detroit Lions and got into legal trouble, leading to his release. Pittsburgh, in need of a slot corner, decided to bring Sutton back on a veteran minimum contract for the 2024 season.
There is ongoing NFL investigation into Sutton’s off-the-field issues, and it is likely that he will face a suspension at the start of the 2024 season. The length of the suspension is uncertain, but if it is significant, Pittsburgh may need to add another corner to the roster.
Insider Mark Kaboly suggested that the Steelers may have some insight into Sutton’s suspension due to Art Rooney II’s connections in the league office, but Bob Labriola disagreed, stating that the team would not have any details about the investigation. This was discussed in Labriola’s Asked and Answered segment on the team’s website.
“I believe if the NFL had decided on a suspension and then a length of a suspension for any player, the league would announce the decision, rather than have it leak out, as it inevitably would. Since there has been no announcement means to me that there has been no decision, and therefore the Steelers couldn’t know anything in advance.”
Labriola raises a valid point. When it comes to sensitive issues such as legal matters involving players, the league prefers to control the release of information. Any decisions made would likely be promptly announced by the league. This suggests that the Steelers may not have any information about how long Sutton’s suspension could be, which could pose a problem.
The concern for the organization is that they lack experience behind Sutton at the slot corner position. Apart from Sutton, the next viable option is undrafted free agent Beanie Bishop. While Bishop has shown promise, it is risky to rely on an undrafted player to contribute at such a crucial position at the start of the season.
The team has not taken any steps to sign another corner since bringing back Sutton. If his suspension is announced during training camp, they will need to act swiftly to bring in external help. Unless the team is completely confident in starting the season with Bishop, they should consider acquiring a player through free agency.
Sutton’s suspension could be as short as one game, but it could also be more severe. The last thing Pittsburgh wants is to be in a rush to find a slot corner after the regular season has already begun.
Outside choices for the Steelers at the slot cornerback position
If Sutton’s suspension is severe or if the Steelers feel the need for more depth at cornerback, they have several strong options to consider. One possibility is reuniting with Patrick Peterson, who was released by the organization after the 2023 season. Despite showing signs of aging in 2023, Peterson appeared capable of playing in the slot. On his podcast, he mentioned that he has not been in touch with other teams, leaving the door open for the Steelers to sign him whenever necessary.
In addition to Peterson, there are several other veteran players still available in free agency, such as Xavien Howard, Stephon Gilmore, and Adoree’ Jackson. Among these candidates, Jackson has the most experience playing in the slot and is also the youngest. All three players would strengthen the Steelers’ secondary and offer a solid contingency plan in the event of a significant suspension for Sutton.
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