Steelers bring back embattled CB Cam Sutton on 1-year contract
Share this post:
Released by the Detroit Lions in March after an arrest on domestic violence charges, Cam Sutton is getting a second chance with the Pittsburgh Steelers.
The Steelers signed the veteran cornerback, who spent his first six seasons with them before leaving in free agency, to a one-year contract Wednesday.
After signing his deal, Sutton took part in the team’s organized team activity, then spoke to reporters while divulging little about his legal situation.
“Adversity strikes everyone in life,” Sutton said. “It’s about how you handle it and how you go through those phases and knowing who you are individually and not letting someone else dim your light.”
Drafted in the third round by the Steelers in 2017, Sutton developed into a valuable member of the secondary and became a full-time starter in his final two seasons with the team. Lured by big money in free agency, Sutton signed a three-year contract with the Lions worth $33 million.
Sutton started all 17 regular-season games last year for the Lions, who advanced to the NFC championship game. He had one interception and six pass breakups during the regular season and three more in the playoffs when he started all three games.
“He adds experience, is a versatile player who can play corner, nickel, dime or safety if he had to,” All-Pro free safety Minkah Fitzpatrick said. “It adds up to another chess piece on the chess board.”
Sutton’s tenure in Detroit ended suddenly when a warrant for his arrest on domestic violence charges came to light in March in Hillsborough County, Fla. Sutton was accused of domestic battery by strangulation against his girlfriend in the early hours of March 7.
Sutton evaded police for several weeks, and the Lions released him the day after the incident became public. Sutton turned himself in to the county sheriff’s office March 31, and he was released on his own recognizance.
Prosecutors reduced the charge against Sutton to misdemeanor battery, which carries a maximum one-year jail sentence. On April 8, he entered a pretrial diversion program to resolve the case, which included Sutton undergoing a mental health evaluation.
Sutton also faces punishment from the NFL.
“We’ve been in communication, but there’s not much I can talk about on the legal end or with the league,” Sutton said. “Whatever it comes down to, we’re ready to move in that direction.”
Sutton said Steelers officials, including coach Mike Tomlin, had remained in contact with him after the domestic violence incident.
“Taking it one day at a time, seeing what is next for myself, letting the days play out and having a great relationship with the organization — the coaches and them checking in on my well-being,” Sutton said. “From a business standpoint, it was seeing what the next opportunity would be, and we’re here now.”
Sutton received his old jersey No. 20 as well as his former locker inside UPMC Rooney Sports Complex.
“Being able to touch the grass today was a heartfelt moment,” he said. “It’s been a minute.”
Sutton encountered several new faces in the Steelers secondary. One of the familiar ones was Fitzpatrick, his teammate for nearly four seasons.
“We all have stuff we go through,” Fitzpatrick said. “One of the best things about being in the locker room is you have 52 other dudes that can help you get through whatever it is. Cam is a great dude. We all have our flaws and our situations, but we’re going to embrace him with open arms and treat him like he never left.”
The Steelers have sought help at cornerback, particularly in the slot, since the end of last season when they released Patrick Peterson and allowed Levi Wallace and Chandon Sullivan to leave in free agency. Joey Porter Jr. will start at one cornerback position, and the Steelers traded for veteran Donte Jackson to start at the other and signed Anthony Averett for depth. That likely leaves playing time for Sutton in the slot. Sullivan was the most-used cornerback in the slot last season.
“No expectations,” Sutton said. “It’s coming here and grinding, doing what I can to give myself opportunities.”
Sutton was asked if he has a message for fans who may be questioning the events of March and what led to his release by the Lions.
“I’m never worried about a narrative of what people say because more than likely they don’t know me better than anybody else,” he said. “It gets back to your foundation, morals, who you are individually as a human being and what you stand on. I’m holding my head high.”