The NFL announced on Monday that Steelers cornerback Cameron Sutton has been suspended without pay for the first eight games of the 2024 regular season for violating the league's Personal Conduct Policy.
An arrest warrant was issued for Sutton regarding an alleged domestic violence incident in March. He turned himself in and reportedly entered a pretrial diversion program on misdemeanor battery charges.
Pittsburgh signed Sutton to a one-year deal in June with the hope he would be plug-and-play at slot corner, but the team will have to wait until Week 10 for him to take the field for the first time.
Who could fill in for Sutton in his absence? Here are the four most realistic options.
Josiah Scott, Pittsburgh Steelers
Scott joined the Steelers on a reserve/futures contract in January and quickly rose on the depth chart.
Before Sutton's arrival, the 25-year-old was seeing most of the first-team defense reps, and rightfully so, as he had the most experience at the position. He will likely continue doing so when training camp opens later this month.
The former fourth-round pick has registered 51 tackles, one sack, two interceptions and eight passes defensed in his four-year NFL career.
Beanie Bishop, Pittsburgh Steelers
Bishop is the wildcard if Pittsburgh wants to stick with what it has.
The undrafted rookie has already caught the attention of general manager Omar Khan.
"I can't tell you how excited we were to have an opportunity to sign Beanie Bishop after the draft," Khan told Randy Baumann on the DVE Morning Show. "I think he's going to have a great opportunity at nickel to help us this year. He has great special teams value."
Bishop has much to prove, but he may just be the Steelers' next Mike Hilton.
The West Virginia product recorded a career-high 67 tackles, four interceptions and 20 passes defensed in 2023. He also returned a punt for a touchdown.
Chandon Sullivan, free agent
If Pittsburgh wants to dip back into the open market, reuniting with Sullivan would make sense.
The 27-year-old spent the 2023 season with the Steelers and played well, totaling 22 tackles, one forced fumble, one interception and six passes defensed.
Of course, Sullivan didn't play well enough to earn another contract right after the season, but he has enough experience and familiarity to step in when needed.
Patrick Peterson, free agent
Peterson lost a step last season. The eight-time Pro Bowler was consistently picked on by opposing teams.
However, Pittsburgh could look to bring back the 33-year-old with the idea he won't be playing all year while bringing a ton of experience to the room.
Peterson wants to play in 2024, and he questioned why so many talented players at his position are available at this point in the offseason.
"What do you think it is about the corners and the safety market at this day and age," Peterson asked on the "All Things Covered" podcast. "We know it's a passing league, right? Why do you see so many high-caliber guys who've played at a high level, defensive backs, still free agents?"
Maybe the Steelers will finally end his wait and give him one last chance as he nears the end of his prolific career.
