Let me just state that everything I’ve heard about Cam Sutton as a person has always been positive and that comes directly from people who have interacted with him and know him. That’s why it was so surprising to hear about his ‘being wanted’ by South Florida Law Enforcement this Spring. I’ll get to exactly what this is about shortly, but from the football aspect, his return to the Pittsburgh Steelers does come with both positive and negative aspects.
The Positive
Sutton is a guy who knows Teryl Austin’s defense. While there are some things that no doubt changed in the year he was in Detroit, the defensive scheme largely remains the same from a terminology standpoint. Mike Tomlin also knows what he’s getting with Sutton. There won’t be any surprises and Tomlin can fully expect Sutton to provide the type of play he expects.
We cannot knock the Steelers for bringing Sutton back either. The secondary is in flux, especially at the nickel corner position and Sutton absolutely has experience there. Adding his knowledge and abilities on a one-year deal which will cost the Steelers nothing should it not work out is a no-brainer.
The Negative
Sutton left the Steel City for a relatively nice contract in Detroit for 2023. They had the intention of playing him on the boundary which they did but his play left a lot to be desired. The Lions ranked near the bottom in passing defense despite advancing to the NFC Championship Game and unfortunately, Sutton was a big part of the reason they were so far below par.
When in man-to-man coverage, Sutton struggled. He bit on double moves and was often beaten with just speed and athleticism. His poor play was a serious reason as to why the Lions drafted two cornerbacks back in April. Whether he would have been let go aside from the off-field issue is unknown but it was abundantly clear that the Lions were making changes to their secondary.
After being “on the run” for two weeks, Sutton eventually turned himself in to authorities. Why Sutton chose to not turn himself in sooner is something he will have to answer in front of the court. The “I didn’t know” excuse won’t work however simply because he was at the Lions’ facility when the news came out so he had time to do the right thing. Ultimately, he was charged with misdemeanor battery which is serious but not nearly as bad as most assumed it would be.
The NFL and Commissioner Roger Goodell have been extremely hard on domestic violence cases. Do not be surprised if Sutton is suspended for multiple games to start the season which of course is a real negative for the Steelers. When he does step on the field however, there are ways he can excel.
If he is allowed to focus strictly on playing slot cornerback where he can use his strength, smarts and ability to close down the run before it starts, then he could be a real asset. Using him in zone coverage would also be helpful because I still believe that if he can keep things in front of him he’s an effective defensive back. When he has to turn and run with guys is where I get nervous.
There is very little risk in signing Sutton if you’re the Steelers. The price isn’t high and you know what you’re getting. Thinking he is the answer at nickel corner or anywhere else in the secondary though is a bit of a stretch.
