Cam Sutton opens up on return to Steelers following release from Lions, arrest

The Pittsburgh Steelers welcomed former draftee Cameron Sutton back to the field on Wednesday after signing the cornerback to a new one-year deal. Sutton inked his deal for the veterans minimum following his release from the Detroit Lions in March.

The former Tennessee Volunteers standout spoke to the media for the first time since his release and arrest on an aggravated battery-domestic violence charge this offseason, telling reporters that it’s “amazing” to be back in Pittsburgh.

“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.”

The cornerback’s return to the Steelers hasn’t come without scrutiny. Sutton is currently in a pretrial diversion program after his felony charge was reduced to a misdemeanor and is required to undergo mental health evaluation and possible treatment. He’s also subject to probation and the loss of firearms access as part of the terms of his diversion program.

Sutton addresses what he learned after arrest

Sutton spoke briefly about the lessons he learned this spring following his arrest. He is still facing a potential suspension from the league this season once the NFL investigates the claim against him.

“I’m never worried about a narrative. I’m never worried about what necessarily people say because obviously more than likely they don’t know me more than anybody else. You know what I mean?” Sutton said. “And again, it gets back to just your foundation, your morals, who you are individually as a human being and just what you stand on. Holding my head high.

“Again, everybody goes through adversity, everybody goes through things in their life that can change in both directions. So it’s all about how you stand on that and what you do from that. And like I said, I’m ready to keep moving in the right direction. Everything else will keep falling in line and we just keep moving from there.”

As far as a potential suspension is concerned, Sutton is ready to deal with whatever may come.

“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.”

Teammates throw support behind veteran corner

Steelers safety Minkah Fitzpatrick was among the teammates who spoke in favor of Sutton on Wednesday following the corner’s reunion with the team.

“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 whatever 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.”

Sutton spent the 2023 season with the Lions after inking a new deal in free agency. He started all 17 games, tallying a career-high 65 tackles (50 solo), four tackles for loss, one interception and six passes defended. Sutton spent the previous six seasons with the Pittsburgh Steelers.

He appeared in 84 games with 39 starts for Pittsburgh, compiling 168 tackles (143 solo), eight tackles for loss, eight interceptions and 38 passes defended.