NFL insider hypothesizes that Steelers' controversial signing could miss half the season via suspension
The Pittsburgh Steelers knew that they needed to address the slot corner position this offseason. After his release from the Detroit Lions, some would say the perfect option hit the market via former Steeler Cam Sutton. But his release and signing happened for a reason, and while Pittsburgh may be paying him a veteran minimum […]
The Pittsburgh Steelers knew that they needed to address the slot corner position this offseason.
After his release from the Detroit Lions, some would say the perfect option hit the market via former Steeler Cam Sutton.
But his release and signing happened for a reason, and while Pittsburgh may be paying him a veteran minimum salary, it could cost them a lot more:
Could Sutton be suspended 10 games?
"There's a specific process in place for determining the punishment. That's something that's gonna happen before the start of the season," Pro Football Talk's Mike Florio told 93.7 The Fan when asked about a suspension length for Sutton. "And I think they had to bring him back knowing that they're not gonna have him for a chunk of the season. Six games, maybe eight, maybe 10, we'll find out. But I think it's something that gets resolved before Week 1."
Sutton, who was released by the Lions after a warrant for his arrest, has handled the legal part of his situation but it doesn't mean the league office won't have their own punishment.
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
From a pure football standpoint, it's hard to argue with the acquisition, especially when analyzing the cost efficiency for Pittsburgh. Sutton is an ideal fit for the scheme, has been a productive player, and perhaps most importantly, has familiarity with the scheme, culture, and staff in Pittsburgh.
"It's not any conversations that we had recently. It's the totality of our relationship," Mike 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."
It's hard to say if Pittsburgh was tipped off on a suspension length, but if they forecasted one that lasted half of the season, I doubt they would have signed Sutton.
Steelers RB Najee Harris nonparticipant on day two of mandatory minicamp after absence on day one
Something is going on in Pittsburgh.
