The Steelers were able to retain a key — albeit underrated — part of their defense on Monday with the re-signing of cornerback Cam Sutton. Per Tom Pelissero of the NFL Network, it’s a two-year deal worth $9 million.
Sutton was Pittsburgh’s primary slot defender in 2020, lining up there on 198 coverage snaps. He allowed 24 receptions on 38 targets in the slot for 248 yards, 93 yards after the catch, one touchdown, one interception, and an opponent passer rating of 79.7. Sutton was even better in the slot in 2019, giving up just eight catches on 15 targets for 62 yards, 17 yards after the catch, no touchdowns, no interceptions, and an opponent passer rating of 63.8.
For a team that played with five defensive backs on 221 opponent dropbacks, and with six defensive backs on 162 dropbacks last season, getting those inside guys signed is a big deal, and Sutton has proven his worth.
