NFL suspends Steelers’ Cameron Sutton after domestic violence arrest

The NFL on Monday suspended Pittsburgh Steelers cornerback Cameron Sutton for the first eight games of the 2024 season after he was arrested on domestic violence charges in March.

According to ESPN’s Adam Schefter, Sutton, 29, will not appeal the suspension.

Sutton allegedly struck a woman in Lutz, Florida, on March 7, but further details were not released.

On March 20, he was wanted in Hillsborough County, Florida, for domestic violence.

The following day, the Detroit Lions released Sutton after just one year on his three-year, $33 million contract.

Sutton was also accused of “evading” authorities for two weeks after his arrest warrant was issued before turning himself in on March 31.

On April 8, the cornerback entered a pre-trial diversion program that required him to undergo a psychiatric evaluation and renounce possession of any weapons.

Despite his ongoing legal situation, Sutton agreed to a one-year contract with Pittsburgh on June 5 with a minimum salary of $1.2 million.

The former third-round pick played his first six seasons in the NFL in the Steel City and eventually developed into one of the most underrated cornerbacks in football.

During the 2022 season, Sutton earned an overall grade of 71.6 from Pro Football Focus, including a coverage grade of 70.4 – ranking him 22nd among cornerbacks with 900 or more snaps.

However, the Tennessee product’s performance deteriorated during his first season in Detroit, and in 2023 he was the lowest-rated cornerback to play more than 1,000 snaps.

Sutton’s first eligible game will be in Week 10 when the Steelers return from their off week and play the Washington Commanders on the road.

Even after preparing for Sutton’s suspension at the start of the season, Pittsburgh seemed to be counting on the veteran’s presence in a very thin and overhauled secondary.

Without Sutton, the Steelers will rely on the contributions of standout second-year player Joey Porter Jr. and recently signed veteran Donte Jackson.