The Pittsburgh Steelers have received plenty of backlash in recent weeks regarding the re-signing of former third round pick, Cam Sutton. Following an offseason headlined by his release from the Detroit Lions due to an alleged domestic violence incident in March, Sutton was suspended eight games by the NFL. This suspension places his season debut with the Black and Gold on November 10th against the Washington Commanders.
The suspension was something the Steelers felt they were prepared for, but puts strain upon them again. Sutton was brought in to be an instant contributor in the slot, and fill the lack of starting experience in the secondary. For a team like the Steelers, who have the hardest end of year schedule in the NFL this season, there is no time to waste in filling the void.
It was a risk to bring Sutton back to Pittsburgh due to the uncertainty of when he would return to the field, but may still be a move that could be fruitful down the stretch. Regardless of what he turns out to be, the Steelers have been put in a tough position yet again of who will play the slot in 2024. Doug Whaley, a former Steelers executive who oversaw the Personnel Department from 2000-2010, joined 93.7 The Fan's Morning Show on Wednesday to explain the mistake the Steelers made in making a decision based on emotion, rather than winning.
"You don't want a move that backs you into a corner, and this move (bringing Sutton back) kind of boxed them in... Those two moves right there (Diontae Johnson and Sutton), they made those decisions personal. We want Diontae Johnson out of here because we don't like what he brings to the locker room. We have a backstory with Sutton, let's bring him back. We can save him. Once you start making things personal man... that's not a good thing. As the old saying goes, it's not personal, it's just business."
The Steelers have yet to fill the hole in the wide receiver room left behind from Johnson's trade to the Carolina Panthers earlier this offseason. With Sutton being on the shelf for arguably the most important stint of the season, General Manager Omar Khan and Head Coach Mike Tomlin are left in a vulnerable position with plenty of questions ahead of training camp.
How Can The Steelers Get Out Of The Proverbial Corner?
The philosophy of Coach Tomlin, to give players and coaches an opportunity when no one else will has worked in some instances, but can also be a hinderance at the same time. Being the team providing the second chance can be a great story, and create great motivation to players to work their hardest, but can at times keep you at a level of complacence.
For the Steelers now in 2024, it's been about overturning the past narratives as an organization that is passive, and prefers to build things organically. The internal hires for the various coaching vacancies and the lack of big swings in free agency are just some examples of trend that the organization has started to move away from. The team has some of those stories of individuals earning a second chance, ranging from Russell Wilson and Justin Fields, to new Offensive Coordinator, Arthur Smith, but the difference is that they all serve a key spot in the rebuild of the Steelers.
In the case of Sutton, there are two schools of thought. On one hand, Sutton will come back into the fold healthy and rested for the most difficult part of the season where six of their last eight games come against teams who made the playoffs last season -- and the other two being against the Cincinnati Bengals with likely a healthy Joe Burrow. The other school of thought is that you don't know what Sutton will bring back to the Steelers this season, which could lead to a lack of priority in making a move prior to the trade deadline.
Regardless of Sutton's suspension, the Steelers can still use it as a positive so long as they remain realistic with what they have before Sutton returns. If the secondary is struggling, a corresponding move should be made. There is nothing wrong with experimenting with younger, more inexperienced players, or for admitting you made a mistake. For a team like the Steelers, who have all the makings for a deep run this season, the easiest way out of the mess they are in is to fight their way out. This mindset makes training camp a must watch in 2024.
