Veteran cornerback Cam Sutton is headed back to Pittsburgh.
Sutton is signing with the Steelers, NFL Network Insider Tom Pelissero reported Wednesday, per the corner's agents. Pittsburgh later announced the one-year deal, releasing receiver Izaiah Gathings in a corresponding move.
The 29-year-old spent his first six seasons in Mike Tomlin's system before signing in Detroit last offseason. Sutton struggled mightily on the field in 2023. Off-field issues this offseason led the Lions to release the corner in March after an arrest warrant was issued for an alleged domestic violence incident. Sutton eventually turned himself in to police and reportedly on misdemeanor battery charges.
Corner depth was a concern for the Steelers this offseason. Joey Porter Jr. displayed the physical ability to be a No. 1 CB, and the trade for Donte Jackson provided Pittsburgh with a stellar top-two, but there was little else beyond.
Sutton's last season in Pittsburgh was his best. According to Next Gen Stats, he allowed a career-low 44.4% completion rate and -8.5 receptions over expected. If he returns to anything close to that level of play, the Steelers secondary will be sturdier in 2024.
