Steelers Not Likely To Reunite With CB Cam Sutton Upon Looming Legal Battle

The Pittsburgh Steelers are facing a crucial decision this offseason: how to address their cornerback situation. This position is a key component of their defense, and the real question is how they will strengthen it. Last year, they made significant moves, drafting Joey Porter Jr. from Penn State and signing veteran Patrick Peterson. Peterson, a former eight-time Pro Bowler, played a mentoring role as Porter eased into the lineup. However, it became clear that Father Time had taken its toll on Peterson, and he is not the same player he once was with the Arizona Cardinals.   

Head Coach Mike Tomlin strategically deployed Peterson in a hybrid role across the secondary. While he was an exceptional mentor and role model for Porter, his on-field performance didn't match the team's expectations; in part, because the Steelers brought Peterson on board to fill the void left by Cam Sutton's departure after the 2022 season. Unfortunately, he didn't fill Sutton's shoes.   

Sutton left the Steelers and signed with the Detroit Lions after the 2022 season. While some reports said that the Steelers wanted Sutton to stay in Black and Gold, they likely couldn't match the three-year, $33 million contract the Lions offered. Sadly, Sutton is now without a team and facing a host of legal troubles. 

Steelers reporter Mark Kaboly, from The Athletic, joined the 93.7 The Fan Morning Show with Adam Crowley and Dorin Dickerson. Crowley asked Kaboly if he thought there was a chance the Steelers might bring Sutton back since other Pittsburgh media members have suggested it might be a possibility. 

"I don't think they bring back Cam Sutton. No. Patrick Peterson, I think that's a very good possibility, depending on what happens in the draft. 'Cause they definitely need some depth and some veteran depth behind there. Behind the two starters, what do ya got? You got Darius Rush? You don't really have much of anything. I guess you've got Cory Trice, but me and him have played the same amount of snaps in the NFL right now, and we probably both got the same knees. He might be good, we just don't know, but you can't go in there with that," said Kaboly.

Sutton moved to Detroit in part to live closer to his daughters. While there, he was involved in an altercation with the mother of his children and was charged with misdemeanor domestic battery. Sutton was initially the subject of a manhunt by the Hillsborough County Sheriff's Department, but ultimately turned himself in.      

The Lions released Sutton when the news of the warrant broke, making him a free agent. Given the extra baggage he is now carrying, the 29-year-old's price tag will likely be significantly reduced. The Steelers have always been open to challenging situations and likely wouldn't be opposed to signing someone like Sutton if they felt they could believe in him. However, according to Kaboly, the Steelers will likely look elsewhere to find Porter's next partner in crime. 

Could The Steelers Drink The Kool-Aid?

The Steelers did make a trade early this offseason for cornerback Donte Jackson. However, Jackson is turning 29 this season, and Tomlin is known for drafting young players and having them waiting in the wings, learning behind the vets. One such player that has come up is the University of Alabama's standout, Ga'Quincy "Kool-Aid" McKinstry. McKinstry and his teammate Terrion Arnold, reportedly made a great impression on Tomlin during Alabama's Pro Day. 

Steelers scout and former cornerback Ike Taylor was there for the visit and said that the group kept each other laughing. Taylor was also impressed by McKinstry's abilities on the field. While Taylor joked that he would love to see them both in Pittsburgh, he knows that is highly unlikely; Arnold will likely go well before the Steelers select at 20. McKinstry is possible however, as the early run on quarterbacks and elite wide receivers has him dropping in some mocks to the Steelers. 

If Pittsburgh drafted a high-powered cornerback like McKinstry, it's unlikely they will bring back someone like Peterson since they already have Jackson. But if they draft a cornerback in a later round, they might need Peterson or Sutton to return for a season. As Kaboly mentioned, Cory Trice Jr. may factor into the decision. Trice injured his knee during training camp last season. This has prevented him from being fully evaluated at the pro level. There is a chance he will excel, but there is also a chance he still needs time to fully heal.