The Pittsburgh Steelers hold former defensive back Cam Sutton in high regard, cherishing his contributions during his tenure with the team. When Sutton made the decision to depart and sign with the Detroit Lions, the Steelers were understandably disappointed to see him go. However, after just one season with the Lions, Sutton encountered legal issues that led to his swift release from the team.
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Former Steelers CB Cam Sutton looks on during a game with the Lions.
As news of Sutton's legal troubles surfaced and he was released, Steelers fans began to speculate about the possibility of his return to Pittsburgh. Rumors swirled when reports emerged of Sutton meeting with Steelers officials, igniting hopes of a reunion.
Adding fuel to the fire, Gerry Dulac, a insider covering the Steelers for the Pittsburgh Post-Gazette, disclosed on Tuesday that the Steelers indeed harbor interest in bringing back Sutton. Dulac revealed that he would say there’s a 51% chance Sutton is on the Steelers roster for the 2024 season.
While the specifics of any potential deal remain uncertain, Dulac ventured his best guess regarding the likelihood of Sutton donning the black and gold once again, providing Steelers fans with a glimpse of hope for Sutton's return to his former stomping grounds.
While Sutton's legal troubles may have cast a shadow over public perception of him, it's important to note that the Steelers hold him in high regard. Given their history and relationship with him, the Steelers emerge as a likely candidate to offer Sutton redemption. Additionally, his anticipated lower salary demands and the team's need at the cornerback position further bolster the case for a potential reunion.
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Former Pittsburgh Steelers cornerback Cameron Sutton intercepts a pass intended for Cincinnati Bengals wide receiver Tyler Boyd during the second quarter Sept. 11, 2022 in Cincinnati.
During his 2023 season with the Lions, Sutton's performance was not particularly stellar, failing to meet lofty expectations. Despite starting in all 17 games, he only managed to secure one interception along with 65 combined tackles and 50 solo stops. He also contributed one forced fumble and six passes defensed.
The prospect of fielding a secondary featuring Joey Porter Jr., Donte Jackson, and Sutton would undoubtedly instill confidence among Steelers fans regarding the cornerback position. Sutton's six-season tenure with the Steelers showcased his steady growth and reliability.
While he didn't initially start many games in his first four years, he demonstrated solid coverage skills and steadily earned increased playing time. By 2021, he had established himself as a consistent starter, a role he continued to fulfill in 2022. The Steelers' desire to bring him back was evident, but Sutton ultimately opted to join the Lions to be closer to his family.
Steelers Are Close To Being Legit Contenders In 2024
The Steelers concluded the 2023 season adding to a disappointing playoff drought, prompting the organization to openly express their frustrations and acknowledge a collective weariness of falling short. With fans growing weary of consistently above-average regular seasons and nothing else, there's a resounding call to return to the pursuit of Super Bowl glory in Pittsburgh.
The 2024 offseason presented the Steelers with a prime opportunity for a comprehensive overhaul, as they sought to fortify their roster with key acquisitions aimed at reigniting their Super Bowl aspirations. Additionally, the Steelers made waves with an exciting draft class, earning praise from pundits who deemed it one of the best in the league.
Should the Steelers opt to bring back Sutton, it would undoubtedly inject much-needed strength into their secondary. However, beyond the cornerback position, the Steelers still have gaps to fill, particularly at wide receiver. While significant moves have yet to materialize, Steelers fans remain optimistic that the team will address this pressing need.
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Former Steelers CB Cam Sutton looks on during a home game in Pittsburgh.
As things currently stand, the Steelers have undoubtedly bolstered their roster, positioning themselves as an improved football team. However, the potential addition of a seasoned wide receiver could significantly elevate their prospects. The same holds true for reinforcing the cornerback position. With speculation swirling about a possible reunion with Sutton, the upcoming developments in Pittsburgh's offseason strategy promise to be intriguing to watch unfold.
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