Mike Tomlin explains why the Steelers decided to sign veteran CB amidst controversial legal situation
The Pittsburg Steelers are known for being one of the most loyal franchises in the NFL. Coaches, executives, players, once a Steeler, always a Steeler. But for recently signed and returning veteran CB Cam Sutton, his second run in Pittsburgh doesn't come without controversy, though HC Mike Tomlin explained why the team was comfortable with […]
The Pittsburg Steelers are known for being one of the most loyal franchises in the NFL.
Coaches, executives, players, once a Steeler, always a Steeler.
But for recently signed and returning veteran CB Cam Sutton, his second run in Pittsburgh doesn't come without controversy, though HC Mike Tomlin explained why the team was comfortable with adding him:
Tomlin Explains Sutton's Return
"It's not any conversations that we had recently. It's the totality of our relationship," Tomlin told reporters on Tuesday when asked about what made them comfortable with signing Sutton. "I met this guy in Knoxville, man, six, seven years ago, whatever it was, when he came outta school. He's a great guy. He loves football. That is probably the totality of our relationship. And I think I probably represent the sentiment of the organization in saying that it's less about specific conversations, particularly of late, and it's about the relationship established over a longer period of time."
Sutton spent the first six years of his career in Pittsburgh before a one-year stint last season in Detroit. He was then released by the Lions earlier this offseason following an arrest warrant for his alleged involvement in a domestic dispute.
The Lions released him [Sutton] after the 2023 season when he was allegedly involved in a domestic violence case in Florida. Sutton turned himself into Florida authorities after weeks of evading law enforcement. Sutton's initial arrest warrant charged him with a felony, but prosecutors said he was being formally charged with misdemeanor battery. He entered a pretrial diversion program and the state attorney agreed to defer prosecution if Sutton completes the program.
The Lions released Sutton on March 21 after news of the warrant surfaced.
– Gerry Dulac, Pittsburgh Post Gazette
“The biggest thing is that adversity strikes everyone in life,” Sutton said when making his return at OTAs last week. “It’s about how you handle that and how you necessarily go through those phases, knowing who you are individually and not letting someone else dim your light. I always talk about being a free spirit, just being of that natural spirit not just for yourself but everyone around you. It’s not losing the sense of who I am in that phase. It’s the continuity of just enjoying, there’s so much to be grateful for and so much opportunity, and as I said with blessings to be a part of, so just continue to ride the wave on that end, and just keep living my life out.”
Sutton, who is likely to be the team's starting nickel-slot CB could still face a suspension from the league office.
Steelers Pro Bowler only player to miss day one of mandatory minicamp with excused absence
He’s expected to return on Wednesday.
