The Pittsburgh Steelers have a promising, improved roster that could make the playoffs this coming season, and though likely Hall of Famer Russell Wilson will be starting at quarterback, that outlook all hinges on their defense.
The Steelers defense was sixth in points allowed last season, which allowed them to go 10-7 and make the playoffs despite some dismal play from three different starting quarterbacks.
But cornerback Cameron Sutton, expected to be a key member of that defense this season, has been suspended by the NFL for eight games for violating the league’s personal conduct policy.
#Steelers CB Cameron Sutton is suspended without pay for the first eight games of 2024 for violating the NFL’s Personal Conduct Policy. The NFL investigated the March incident involving Sutton and determined he violated the Personal Conduct Policy.
Sutton will be eligible for…— Ian Rapoport (@RapSheet) July 8, 2024
Some fans feel the suspension is warranted, especially given the fact that Sutton was charged with misdemeanor battery in Florida stemming from a domestic violence incident.
Damn, 8 games is heavy 💀 deserved though
— Mr Unlimmmited (@chris_ferland) July 8, 2024
Hopefully a lesson learned
— jion12345 (@jion_12345) July 8, 2024
Why not ban him for the entire season
— SoggyWaffles_ (@Gerrrald17) July 8, 2024
This fan asked if Sutton’s suspension could have any bearing on a possible suspension for another NFL player: Kansas City Chiefs wide receiver Rashee Rice.
I wonder what that means for Rice.
— Moth (@timotheeej) July 8, 2024
Sutton played his first six NFL seasons with the Steelers after he was a third-round pick in the 2017 NFL Draft, and he signed with the Detroit Lions last offseason after becoming a free agent.
He rejoined Pittsburgh a few weeks ago, and once he gets reinstated, he can provide depth in the secondary.
Shortly after he left to go to Detroit, Pittsburgh drafted Joey Porter Jr., who quickly established himself as a starting cornerback for head coach Mike Tomlin.
Last season, Sutton had six passes defended and a career-high 65 tackles (50 solo) as a member of the Lions, who won the NFC North and went to the conference championship game.