PITTSBURGH (93.7 The Fan) – A lot up in the air this off-season for fourth year Steeler Cam Sutton. The former 2017 third round pick in a secondary with a pair of signed, experienced corners and a do-it-all playmaker who's contract was up. It wasn't just Mike Hilton up for renewal, so was Sutton.
The team couldn't afford all of them. Yet it was Sutton, all of 8 career starts as the first to sign. Returning to what he called family with the Steelers. Next day, Hilton signed for $24 million with the Bengals. The Steelers later released corner Steven Nelson.
Sutton went from uncertainly to trying to figure out where he is more valuable. Do they need him to play more as a starting corner? Inside in a role more like last year, but added responsibility with Hilton gone?
"I'm going to do whatever I need to do in that aspect," Sutton said. "I get a lot of questions about playing inside or outside. I don't favor either. I've been working outside. I'm coming for everything."
There are times where players say that and you know it's to put on a front, but for Sutton. It's believable. He really is looking to continue to flourish in whatever role he has.
"Wherever the chips may fall as far as responsibility," Sutton said. "There are times throughout the game were guys are lined up at certain positions. Things happen between shifts, change motions, injuries. Guys have to be able to play different roles."
"It's not something outside of our scheme. Know your responsibility and know what the guys around you do. That's what we preach about being versatile. Being able to compete in other spots, not just your stationary position."
Sutton has taken a leadership role with rookie Tre Norwood. The seventh round pick said Sutton reached out to him right after the draft and they trained together at the same facility in Tampa Bay.
"He extended his arms as a big brother, as a guy who's been here," Norwood said of Sutton. "I can't wait to sit down and pick his brain and get to know more about this defense."
It's only 8 starts, but Sutton has played in 52 games with 73 career tackles, a pair of sacks, a fumble recovery and 3 interceptions. Sutton seems to be ready to fill roles on many levels.
"As far as health and the mental aspect, I feel better than I ever felt before," the former Tennessee star said. "My body feels well, coming off of a year where I had more snaps and more opportunities. That's just a stepping stone."
"I'm coming for everything."
