The Pittsburgh Steelers will have a number of free agents following thee 2022 season. Faces that have been a part of the franchise for several years will be looking for a new home while certain new faces like defensive lineman, Larry Ogunjobi will have his one-year deal come to an end. It will be interesting to see how new general manager, Omar Khan approaches his first full off-season with so many questions. According to Pro Football Focus, the organization has one of the top 25 soon-to-bee free agents and it may not be who one would expect given the number of guys who could be on their way out.
Steelers cornerback, Cameron Sutton on the field prior to a 2022 preseason game at Acrisure Stadium in Pittsburgh, PA. | Jordan Schofield / SteelerNation (Twitter: @JSKO_PHOTO)
Cornerbacks have come at a premium in Pittsburgh and Cameron Sutton is, believe it or not, the only one to be drafted by the Steelers that has actually turned into a solid player for the franchise. He was a third round selection out of the University of Tennessee in 2017 and has been a key piece of defense, growing as a player each season. He was even awarded with a second contract, signing a two-year deal at a steal, $9 million, after the 2020 season.
PFF's Brad Spielberger compiled a list of the free agents who will be most-desired come next year. Sutton landed on the backend at of the list at #20, but is still being recognized as one of the top three cornerback free agents in the expected 2023 class:
"Sutton has quietly continued to excel in a coverage unit that has otherwise been very exploitable this season in Pittsburgh, with 2022 just his second season as a full-time starter on the outside. Sutton signed a two-year, $9 million deal in 2021 that he has outplayed thus far, earning a 72.7 coverage grade and allowing just 284 receiving yards in 2022 — the fifth-fewest among cornerbacks with at least 300 coverage snaps on the season."
Pittsburgh Steelers cornerback Cameron Sutton (#20) jogs at Heinz Field during the Steelers 2020 Training Camp, Friday, Aug. 28, 2020 in Pittsburgh, PA. (Karl Roser / Pittsburgh Steelers)
A few years ago, cornerback, Mike Hilton cashed in with the Cincinnati Bengals after showing his brilliance in the slot. Sutton poses unique traits that will be of interest to teams come March if the Steelers don't extend him again, according to Spielberger.
"Sutton’s versatility as a defensive back who can still line up in the slot when called upon provides added value for interested teams, as well."
Sutton is certain to ask for more than just $4.5 million a year in 2023 after performing consistently and at the top of his games the last two seasons. He has 79 tackles, 15 passes defended, four interceptions and a forced fumble since the beginning of the 2021 season.
Dec 4, 2016; Pittsburgh, PA, USA; Pittsburgh Steelers nose tackle Javon Hargrave (79) takes the field to play the New York Giants at Heinz Field. Pittsburgh won 24-14. Mandatory Credit: Charles LeClaire-USA TODAY Sports
Former Steelers' defensive lineman, Javon Hargrave came in on the list at #4 and a reunion in Pittsburgh is unlikely, but it shows how much of a mistake it was not finding a way to re-sign him after the 2019 season and allowing him to walk to the Philadelphia Eagles. He still remains a hot commodity three years later with 19 sacks in 42 games and is likely to cash in with another lucrative free agent contract.
Are you surprised that Sutton is being labeled as the Steelers' top free agent for 2023? Let us know in the comments below!
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