Steelers Cornerback Suspended for Eight Games

The Pittsburgh Steelers have been dealt a significant blow with the suspension of cornerback Cameron Sutton for the first eight games of the 2024 regular season. This comes as a result of Sutton’s violation of the NFL’s Personal Conduct Policy, following a March incident involving domestic violence.

The Steelers will be without cornerback Cameron Sutton for eight games.

Sutton’s legal troubles began in March, when a warrant was placed on him for aggravated battery - domestic violence. He eventually turned himself in and had the charge lowered to misdemeanor battery, which carries a one-year maximum jail sentence.

The NFL investigated the incident and determined that Sutton had violated the league’s Personal Conduct Policy. As a result, he will be suspended without pay for the first eight games of the 2024 season.

Cameron Sutton of the Pittsburgh Steelers

This is not the first time Sutton has dealt with legal issues. In 2023, he was released by the Detroit Lions following a string of off-field problems. However, he was able to return to the Steelers on a veteran minimum contract, costing just over $1 million for the 2024 season.

The Steelers could look to add another veteran name to their roster, such as Patrick Peterson, to fill the gap left by Sutton’s suspension. They also have former Baltimore Ravens nickelback Anthony Averett and undrafted rookie Beanie Bishop competing for a roster spot.

The Steelers defense will have to adapt without Sutton.

Steelers defensive backs coach Grady Brown said during OTAs that the team was preparing for a Sutton suspension by getting the new players more reps. “That’s what we’re doing right now by virtue of just getting guys reps,” Brown said. “[Sutton] doesn’t take every rep at nickel, he doesn’t take every snap at corner. We try to make sure we’re repping multiple guys and evaluating them at that position.”

The Steelers will have all of training camp to decide the direction they’ll go in during Sutton’s absence. They head to camp on July 24.

“Both Mr. Sutton and the mother of his children request privacy in this matter, as they view this as a family matter and wish to resolve it as a family.” - Sutton’s attorneys Todd Foster and Jason Setchen

Sutton will be eligible for reinstatement on October 29.

Sutton will be eligible for reinstatement on October 29, the day after the team’s primetime showdown against the New York Giants in Week 8. They have a bye in Week 9.

The Steelers will need to adapt quickly without Sutton, but with the right adjustments, they can still have a successful season.