Steelers are back to square one at a valuable position following the suspension of veteran CB

When the Pittsburgh Steelers signed Cam Sutton during OTAs, many heads were turned.

A valuable player at a position of need who was familiar with the franchise, from a football perspective it was a no-brainer.

But following a domestic dispute that resulted in his release from the Detriot Lions, many believed Sutton wouldn't get off without a suspension , and that has come to fruition.

Cam Sutton Suspended 8 Games Without Pay

Cameron Sutton of the Pittsburgh Steelers is 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. - NFL League Office

The Lions released Sutton this offseason following an alleged altercation that turned violent between Sutton and a woman. Sutton would go on to turn himself into authorities after a search warrant for his arrest in Florida was initiated. Originally charged with a felony, Sutton was officially charged with misdemeanor battery. He entered a pretrial diversion program and the state attorney agreed to defer prosecution if Sutton completes the program.

The details surrounding the arrest may be disturbing.

During the argument, Sutton picked up the woman and slammed her into a wall, then bit her on the neck, leaving a quarter-sized abrasion that bled, the affidavit states. Sutton then grabbed the woman by the face and neck and choked her, causing her to briefly lose consciousness, according to the affidavit. - Tony Marrero, Tampa Bay Times

For Pittsburgh, this means the earliest that Sutton will be eligible to play, is Week 10, seeing as the team has a bye week during Week 9. It leaves the team in the same predicament they were in all offseason, which is searching for a starting slot CB.

When analyzing the depth chart , names like rookie UDFA Beanie Bishop, and recently acquired safety-nickel hybrid Grayland Arnold come to mind as initial replacements for Sutton, though the battle could run deep into camp and throughout the DB room.

Sutton played the first six years of his career in Pittsburh before last year's stint in Detroit.