Why did NFL suspend Cameron Sutton? League slaps Steelers CB with heavy punishment for 2024 season

Cameron Sutton's second stint with the Steelers has got off to the worst start possible after it was revealed that the cornerback will face suspension to begin the 2024 season.

NFL insider Adam Schefter reported,

"Steelers CB Cameron Sutton was suspended without pay for the first eight games of the 2024 regular season for violating the NFL’s Personal Conduct Policy, it was announced today. The NFL investigated the March incident involving Sutton and determined he violated the Personal Conduct Policy... Sutton will be eligible for reinstatement on October 29 following the Steelers’ Week 8 game against the New York Giants."

There are two key things to note in the above. That Cameron Sutton violated the league's personal conduct policy and he did so in March. That month, he was issued with an arrest warrant for a domestic violence case. He was reportedly unavailable and authorities could not locate him.

After more than a week on the run, he finally turned himself in. In the interim, he was also released by the Detroit Lions, making 2023 the only season he spent with them.

Due to the seriousness of the allegations and the NFL's strict rules against tolerating any kind of domestic violence in recent years, it was inevitable he would get suspended. Now, he will end up missing the first half of the 2024 season and faces an uphill battle to return.

What now for the Steelers after Cameron Sutton's suspension?

The Steelers took a gamble with Cameron Sutton despite knowing about the incident and now they will have to make alternate arrangements for the first eight games of the season. It is easy to see why they signed him given their top two cornerbacks are Joey Porter Jr. and Donte Jackson. The former is into his second season in 2024 and the latter is playing his first season in Pittsburgh.

Therefore, having a player behind them with some degree of experience and familiarity with the system (having been drafted by them in 2017) would have been good. But this will definitely complicate matters.

Mike Tomlin could look to bring someone like Stephon Gilmore on a short-term contract to cover Cameron Sutton's absence. The suspended player is also on a one-year contract and is not intended to be a long-term fix.

Gilmore did an exceptional job for the Cowboys last season, especially with Trevon Diggs out for the season. And given he is still a free agent, his demands might not be over the top. He could fit the profile of a player who can dig the Steelers out of this hole.