The team that drafted Cam Sutton has brought him in for a reunion, and Sutton is welcoming this change as one that brings himself back to a lighthearted mindset.
The Steelers signed Sutton on a one-year, veteran minimum contract Wednesday afternooon. The 29-year-old spent 2023 with the Lions after playing the first six seasons of his career in Pittsburgh. He has been a durable presence at cornerback, as he has played in at least 15 games in all but one of his seven professional seasons.
But, Sutton was released from his three-year, $33-million contract by the Lions this offseason amid a charge of misdemeanor battery in Florida. Sutton turned himself in to police April 1 after authorities carried out a weekslong manhunt. On April 17, Sutton reached a legal resolution on the charge by entering a pretrial diversion program. He will have to undergo a mental health evaluation and possible treatment. He also is subject to a probation period and will not be allowed to possess a firearm as part of the program.
He was back on the field for the Steelers' OTA practice Wednesday at the UPMC Rooney Sports Complex, wasting no time taking the first step in his own healing process. He kept in contact with the Steelers once the Lions released him, and the interest was more than mutual for this reunion.
"It's amazing being back," Sutton said. "Came into a great foundation in this organization, it's still the same way to this day. The people, obviously the players, the continuity, being back around this atmosphere is very heartfelt and lighthearted, a lighthearted situation. I'm just here to be myself, getting on the field around the guys and help this team any way I can."
Sutton adds a veteran presence to a young cornerbacks room led by Joey Porter Jr. and newcomer Donte Jackson. The Steelers also have second-year pros Cory Trice Jr. and Darius Rush, rookies Beanie Bishop and Ryan Watts, and veteran Anthony Averett at the position.
Sutton had 65 tackles, one interception, six passes defensed and one forced fumble last season. In 2022 with the Steelers, Sutton set career highs in interceptions (three) and passes defensed (15). The Steelers wanted to bring him back in free agency, but the Lions prevailed.
After Wednesday's OTA practice, Minkah Fitzpatrick said the Steelers will embrace Sutton like he never left.
"We all have stuff we go through," Fitzpatrick said. "I think the best thing about being in the locker room is we have 52 other dudes helping you get through what ever it is. Cam's a great dude. We all have our flaws and our situations but we're going to embrace him with open arms and treat him like he never left."
Fitzpatrick added that Sutton brings valuable experience to the Steelers' room. He said he kept in touch with Sutton through his time in Detroit.
"He's been in the system for a long time, he's been in the league for a long time, so he adds experience," Fitzpatrick said. "He's a versatile corner. He can play corner, he can play nickel, he can play dime, he can play safety if he had to. He adds another chess piece to the chess board."
To make room for Sutton on the 90-man roster, the Steelers released tight end Izaiah Gathings.
Sutton was back in his old No. 20 jersey, commandeered by Patrick Peterson a season ago, and was back on the field with his group Wednesday. Though he begins his new opportunity with the team that drafted him, that doesn't put his situation entirely behind him. He is still subject to discipline from the NFL, so until anything comes down from the league, that will be something to keep an eye on. Sutton maintained all he was able to control with respect to football was how much communication he had with teams.
He said he has no expectations with this second stint in Pittsburgh, but he wants to bring energy and a light for his teammates.
"Come in here and grind, come in here and do everything I can to give myself opportunities," Sutton said. "We're all about competitiveness so keep bringing that nature, keep challenging guys that have been in camp so far. Making sure that they understand the defense. ... For the most, still the same scheme wise so getting that carry-over with everything."
Sutton was candid in speaking about what he learned through what he went through this offseason.
"The biggest thing, adversity strikes everyone in life," Sutton said. "It's all about how you handle it, how you go through those phases, and just knowing who you are individually and not letting someone else dim your light. I always talk about being a free spirit, not just with yourself but with so many around you. Never losing a sense of who I am in that phase, never let that phase in again, and the continuity of enjoying. There's so much to be grateful for, so much opportunity and blessings. Grateful to be a part of it. Just continuing to ride the wave on that end and keep living my life."
Sutton said he could not speak to any legal happenings or with respect to what discipline could come from the NFL.
"What ever it comes down to, we're ready to move in that direction," Sutton said. "But at the end of the day you just keep moving on with your business, keep moving in the right direction, and be ready when it's time."
