Big takeaways from the suspension of Steelers CB Cameron Sutton

7 days ago

Steelers Wire

Big takeaways from the suspension of Steelers CB Cameron Sutton

News broke on Monday that Pittsburgh Steelers cornerback Cameron Sutton will be suspended without pay for the first eight games of the 2024 season. The Steelers brought Sutton back after a year wit…

News broke on Monday that Pittsburgh Steelers cornerback Cameron Sutton will be suspended without pay for the first eight games of the 2024 season. The Steelers brought Sutton back after a year with the Detroit Lions after the Lions released him.

Sutton was arrested back in March after a domestic altercation but the understanding was this wouldn’t be a serious issue but this is definitely going to change things for the upcoming season. Here are our big takeaways from the news.

The Steelers might have to release Sutton

Sep 11, 2022; Cincinnati, Ohio, USA; Pittsburgh Steelers cornerback Cameron Sutton (20) reacts after a penalty called in the second half in the game against the Cincinnati Bengals at Paycor Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Katie Stratman-USA TODAY Sports

As excited as we all were to have Sutton back, missing eight games and then having to get back up to speed this season means he might have no impact at all in 2024. Is that worth keeping a seat warm for him?

Spotlight back on undrafted rookie

Kareem Elgazzar/The Enquirer / USA TODAY NETWORK

With Sutton out for eight games, undrafted free agent rookie Beanie Bishop Jr. is once again in the mix with Darius Rush to be the team’s starting nickel cornerback.

Free agency is back on the table

SEATTLE, WASHINGTON – DECEMBER 31: Patrick Peterson #20 of the Pittsburgh Steelers reacts after beating the Seattle Seahawks 30-23 at Lumen Field on December 31, 2023 in Seattle, Washington. (Photo by Jane Gershovich/Getty Images)

The Steelers have plenty of money to spend so they need to look at the free-agent market to find a veteran who can replace Sutton in the lineup.

The Steelers knew this could happen

CLEVELAND, OHIO – SEPTEMBER 22: Pittsburgh Steelers general manager Omar Khan looks on prior to a game against the Cleveland Browns at FirstEnergy Stadium on September 22, 2022 in Cleveland, Ohio. (Photo by Nick Cammett/Getty Images)

I don’t care what the Steelers say publicly, they had to know this was a possibility from the moment they signed Sutton back. We appreciate the team’s loyalty in rolling the dice but no way they went into this blind.

Don't be shocked if the Steelers stand with Sutton

ORCHARD PARK, NEW YORK – JANUARY 15: Head coach Mike Tomlin of the Pittsburgh Steelers looks on during the first quarter against the Buffalo Bills at Highmark Stadium on January 15, 2024 in Orchard Park, New York. (Photo by Sarah Stier/Getty Images)

When it’s all said and done, don’t be shocked if the Steelers keep Sutton on the roster throughout his suspension and then bring him back without any repercussions. This team stands with their own and despite leaving for one year, Sutton is a Steeler.