Steelers DB Cam Sutton Getting Lots Of Reps At New Position

The Pittsburgh Steelers have some new additions in their defensive backs room this year, and one of the more eye-catching ones is the reunion with Cam Sutton. Sutton spent his first six seasons in the league with the Steelers as a cornerback (2017-2022), before spending one year with the Detroit Lions (2023). Sutton was released by Detroit earlier this offseason after violating the league's personal conduct policy, which led to an eight-game suspension this season. Sutton was seen getting snaps in at safety this week, which is a slightly unfamiliar territory for him. 

The Steelers have an annual Friday Night Lights practice at Saint Vincent College in Latrobe, Pennsylvania, which took place Friday night. Over 12,000 fans from Steeler Nation reported to watch the team face off ahead of their first preseason matchup on August 9th. A bunch of eyes were focused on the defensive backs to see how the new additions have come along. In the process, Sutton was seen getting some snaps outside of his normal position of cornerback. 

Sutton managed to intercept a pass during practice Friday night off of Steelers' third string quarterback, Kyle Allen. Sutton has nine career interceptions and 233 total tackles. He was one of their most productive and splashy corners that they had, but unfortunately, they just couldn't pay him his desired amount ahead of the 2023 season. It's quite interesting seeing Pittsburgh move Sutton to safety, considering they need more help at corner, but Sutton has been known to play multiple positions in the secondary. A new face joining the Steelers' defensive backs this season is safety DeShon Elliott, who will be likely earning a starting spot. 

With Sutton's suspension, the Steelers have to find guys to fill reps at corner. The switch to safety could just be a good chance to give other guys opportunities for some live reps. The defensive backs have been getting a lot of good work in competing with the Steelers' wideouts at practice. George Pickens recently gave them props by revealing they have been "super good."

Sutton's early suspension could be a huge blow if they don't find someone suitable for the slot corner. So far though, good things have been reported about guys like Beanie Bishop Jr. and Cory Trice Jr. Keep an eye out for which corner earns the starting slot gig ahead of Week 1.

Steelers' Defense Looking Fast And Back To Dominating

Aside from Sutton and Elliott, the Steelers have a handful of other notable additions that have improved the defense. Along with Sutton at cornerback, Donte Jackson comes in as the CB2 behind Joey Porter Jr., and Jackson has gotten off to a nice start. Considering the concerns at corner heading into training camp, they've actually been doing a solid job so far in coverage.

Another major issue in recent seasons for the Steelers that they addressed this offseason is middle linebacker. Patrick Queen and Payton Wilson have been seen flying all over the field making nice tackles. Pittsburgh's defense was already one of the best in the league when healthy, and it's only improved. 

The offense and defense have both had their days, but the defense looks especially promising. Look out for a bunch of guys to have big years as members of the Steelers' defense in 2024.

What do you think of Sutton moving to safety? Do the Steelers have something up their sleeve? Or is it just a chance to give other young corners more reps? Let us know in the comments.

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