Former Lions CB Cameron Sutton Lands With New Team: Report

In 2024, the Detroit Lions will have a new cornerback in the starting lineup. Cameron Sutton, a former cornerback with the Lions, will also have a fresh opportunity in a familiar setting.

On June 5, Tom Pelissero of NFL Network announced that Sutton has signed a one-year contract with the Pittsburgh Steelers.

According to Gerry Dulac of the Pittsburgh Post-Gazette, the deal is worth the veteran minimum.

Before agreeing to a three-year, $33 million contract with the Lions in free agency last year, Sutton spent six seasons with the Steelers. After learning that the Hillsborough County (Florida) Sheriff’s Office had issued a warrant for Sutton’s arrest on accusations of domestic abuse, Detroit freed Sutton on March 21.

With the Lions, Sutton played just one season, but he recorded a career-high 65 combined tackles. He had six more pass defenses, one interception, and one forced fumble.

Prior to Sutton’s legal issues, the Lions probably had plans to completely remodel their cornerback group. Last season, Detroit ranked 29th in net yards allowed per pass attempt and 27th in pass defense.

The Lions originally signed Amik Robertson and acquired Carlton Davis in order to address the issue. Following Sutton’s release, the Lions selected cornerbacks Terrion Arnold and Ennis Rakestraw with their first two picks in the 2024 NFL Draft.

Sutton was expected to be a member of Detroit’s revamped core of cornerbacks. Last season, he led the Lions in defensive snaps.

However, the Lions have moved on to younger, less expensive choices, so it might not be all bad. Pro Football Focus claims that Sutton didn’t do as well in 2022 as he did in the previous campaign. He shared a PFF playing grade of 52.3 in 2023—his lowest total since his rookie campaign of 2017.

During the postseason, Sutton also had trouble covering Mike Evans and Puka Nacua.

at Sutton’s absence, Brian Branch will probably start at nickel cornerback for Davis and Robertson at Detroit. However, Arnold might press Robertson for a lead part.