It makes sense for the Steelers to add CB Cam Sutton back to the roster from a personnel standpoint. He had a great six years with the Steelers, recording a career-high three interceptions in his last season (2022), and he provides them with a reliable, seasoned presence at the nickel position.
Naturally, that isn’t the primary issue with this signing. Following a domestic violence episode in which it was claimed he struck and strangled his partner until she passed out, Sutton turned himself in to the police and a warrant was issued for his arrest. The charge of third-degree strangulation, which was initially a felony, was dropped to minor battery. Given this, Sutton was released by the Detroit Lions a year after agreeing to a three-year deal worth a maximum of $33 million.As a person, I am not familiar with Cam Sutton. I’ve never had a conversation with him. On the other hand, almost everyone I know on the Steelers beat has said kind things about Sutton and that this whole thing is totally out of character. It seems the Steelers feel the same way. That’s exactly what Steelers Now’s Alan Saunders said on X.
And let’s face it, mistakes are made by people—sometimes more severely than not. Sutton is accused of doing acts that are not justifiable. Having said that, do I believe that people should be free to make amends, offer their best effort at expressing regret, and allow their deeds to speak for how terrible they feel about committing them? Yes, I do.
I’m not aware of what Sutton was required to do during this process after his arrest, though. As fans and bystanders, all we can do at this point is hope that Sutton is feeling regret for what happened and is making every effort to put it right.
Let’s talk about the football aspect now. He improves the Steelers. Their current cornerback room is significantly deeper than any they’ve had in recent memory.
You would struggle to find many stronger trios in the league at their respective positions than Sutton, Donte Jackson, and Joey Porter Jr. as the starting three. The Steelers have as many as six reliable secondary players in case of injury, with Cory Trice, Darius Rush, and Beanie Bishop all appearing good in OTAs.
