The NFL’s investigation into Cameron Sutton has concluded, resulting in an eight-game suspension for the Steelers cornerback due to a violation of the league’s personal conduct policy, as reported by NFL Network’s Tom Pelissero. Sutton will not appeal the suspension, according to ESPN’s Adam Schefter.
The 29-year-old Sutton was the subject of an arrest warrant issued in March on the charge of domestic battery by strangulation. At the time, he was under contract with the Detroit Lions, playing the 2023 season on an $11 million-per-year deal. Following the issuance of the warrant, the Lions promptly released him.
Sutton surrendered to police more than three weeks after the warrant was issued, well before the information became public. Advised by the Lions, Sutton resolved the misdemeanor battery charges by entering a pretrial diversion program. Despite this, the NFL’s personal conduct policy allows for punishment without a criminal conviction, as seen in past disciplinary decisions.
Prior to the draft, Sutton participated in a free agent visit with the Pittsburgh Steelers, the team with which he spent the first six years of his career. After several weeks of no developments, the Steelers and Sutton agreed to a one-year deal in June. Sutton was set to earn the veteran minimum, but his suspension without pay for the first eight weeks will significantly reduce his earnings.
A third-round pick in 2017, Sutton had just two starts in his first three seasons but became a mainstay on defense, logging over 1,000 snaps in 2021 and again during his lone season with the Lions. His experience will provide Pittsburgh with a starting-caliber option in the secondary for the latter half of the season.
The Steelers have Joey Porter Jr. as a perimeter starter and recently acquired Donte Jackson, who is also expected to start. Sutton has primarily played on the boundary but has experience in the slot, which might be where he fits upon his return. Pittsburgh might also look to add depth in the secondary during the summer, knowing they will be shorthanded for the season’s first half.
With the Steelers’ bye week falling on Week 9, Sutton’s earliest possible debut would be in the Week 10 matchup against the Commanders.
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