Pittsburgh Steelers cornerback Cameron Sutton has been suspended for the first eight games of the 2024 NFL season without pay due to a violation of the league's Personal Conduct Policy. The incident that led to his suspension occurred in March when he was charged with misdemeanor battery following an alleged domestic violence case. Sutton entered a pretrial diversion program in April to avoid prosecution.
Sutton, 29, had signed a one-year contract with the Steelers after being released by the Detroit Lions following the discovery of an arrest warrant for his arrest while he was at their facility. The Lions had acquired him from Pittsburgh in March 2023 on a three-year, $33 million deal.
The incident took place before Sutton joined the Steelers and occurred during his tenure with Detroit. He started all 17 games for the Lions last season, recording one interception, one forced fumble, and 50 tackles.
Sutton's suspension comes after he was charged with misdemeanor battery following an incident in March. The Hillsborough County Sherriff's Office issued a warrant for his arrest on March 7 after responding to a call at a house where Sutton allegedly battered a woman before fleeing the scene. He turned himself in on March 31 and entered the pretrial diversion program to avoid prosecution.
The NFL investigated the incident before issuing the suspension, which will take effect following Pittsburgh's Week 8 game against the New York Giants. Sutton is eligible for reinstatement on October 29.
Sutton spent his first six seasons with the Steelers and was a starting cornerback for them. He racked up three interceptions in 2022, the final season of his first stint in Pittsburgh.
The Lions released Sutton after learning of the warrant for his arrest while he was at their facility. Detroit team president Rod Wood stated that they suggested Sutton get counsel and turn himself in before deciding to release him.
Sutton's suspension leaves a void at slot cornerback for the Steelers, who will either have to look for a veteran still available in free agency or hope that rookie Beanie Bishop or the well-traveled yet experienced Josiah Scott can fill the role.
