The Steelers Can Turn the Sutton Suspension Into A Positive
Credit: Jason Bridge-USA TODAY Sports
It’s not often that you can look at an NFL suspension as an opportunity to make your team better. Franchises put resources into their players and expect exemplary results. So when a suspension happens, it can set an organization back. Especially when that player was signed for a pivotal role.
Slot corner has been a position of need for the last few seasons for the Steelers. They haven’t installed a reliable player in that spot since the days of Mike Hilton donning the Black and Gold. So when Cam Sutton became available, the former Steeler was a no-brainer to sign. Especially since he had success with Pittsburgh only two seasons prior.
It sounds weird, but the NFL suspending Sutton for eight games for violating the personal conduct code gives Pittsburgh an opportunity to become a better team. First, it will force the team to use camp to make a decision fairly quickly. Forget OTAs and minicamp — real football happens when the pads come on. So the first few weeks of actual training camp will give some direction on either who wins the job, or if Pittsburgh needs to sign a free agent corner.
Having the starting slot corner on the current roster, of course, would be ideal. You don’t have to allocate resources to free agents. Plus it shows that your coaches are developing guys which is exactly what you want. Pittsburgh either drafted these guys or signed them to be able to contribute. Sometimes players have to wait their turn. Well, that turn is right now. Players like Anthony Averett, Cory Trice Jr, Ryan Watts, and Beanie Bishop will all have their numbers called to step up and take ownership of the job.
Another option would be to grab a free agent. There are still several veteran corners that are available to pick up that would help the Steelers secondary. Players like Xavien Howard and Stephon Gilmore have achieved tremendous success in this league. While older and maybe a step slower, they are a major upgrade over what Pittsburgh was dealing with last season, outside of Joey Porter Jr.
While it’s not ideal to have to go outside the organization to bring in an older veteran, the upside that can carry is significant. Imagine Pittsburgh boasting a cornerback room of Howard or Gilmore, Porter, Donte Jackson, and Sutton (after his eight-game suspension is concluded). That’s a unit that might make up one of the better secondaries in the NFL.
The Steelers could also go the trade route. James Bradbury of the Philadelphia Eagles has become expendable, based on the Eagles drafting Quinyon Mitchell and Cooper DeJean with two top-40 picks in 2024. For a sixth-round pick, Pittsburgh wouldn’t hurt themselves by employing a 30-year-old corner a season removed from being a Second Team All-Pro with a point to prove. As the Steelers would only be giving up late-round draft capital, it might make more sense than signing a free agent that no other team has been particularly excited to sign.
Mike Tomlin has done some of his best work when under duress from injuries or suspensions. Think back to last season, when it seemed a different linebacker or secondary member got hurt from Week 7 on. Somehow, Pittsburgh was able to put a great defense on the field and make the playoffs.
Sutton’s absence will obviously hurt. While he struggled with the Detroit Lions last season, he was playing out of position in a system that didn’t fit his style. He knows what Pittsburgh is asking from him. Having said that, there is no way the Steelers didn’t have a plan for his suspension. Given the alleged charges, the Steelers had to know something was coming down the pike. Now that they know the details, they can enact their plan.
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