His future is intact, but Cameron Sutton's role in Steelers secondary remains undefined

Mar. 31—Join the conversation

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Even after signing a $9 million contract with them earlier this month, Cameron Sutton still is a man without a defined role for the Pittsburgh Steelers.

It has been a story surrounding Sutton since he joined the team as a third-round pick in 2017, a narrative that has followed him in recent seasons as he filled various roles in the secondary.

But when Sutton re-signed for two years just hours into unrestricted free agency, it was thought perhaps some clarity with his position would follow. Instead, the departure of Mike Hilton and the release of Steven Nelson followed over the next week, leaving Sutton again unaware of exactly where he'll be playing this fall.

"Playing inside (slot) and being able to move around, this is not a new thing," Sutton said. "Career-wise, I've always been a stationary outside (cornerback) guy. That's just them having the confidence in me and being able to move me.

"I'm ready. It's not something new. It's not a shock to me. ... Whatever it entails throughout the year, it's all about winning."

According to Pro Football Focus, last season Sutton played 271 snaps as the slot cornerback, 154 snaps as an outside corner, 86 snaps in the box (dime DB/hybrid linebacker), 26 snaps as a free safety and 12 on the line of scrimmage.

As of now, Sutton likely would take Nelson's place as the starting outside cornerback opposite Joe Haden.

But on the day Sutton's contract was announced, it was presumed he would serve as the No. 1 slot DB.

Sutton could end up being both.

If the Steelers had to play a game today, the likely plan would have Sutton on the outside in the base package but moving into the slot when the Steelers go nickel. Justin Layne or James Pierre would fill in on the outside.

Of course, the Steelers don't play today. There still are veteran free-agent defensive backs out there, and the Steelers have (a little) salary-cap space.

And then there's the draft. Having Sutton on board affords the Steelers extra flexibility to pick the best available corner, be it one who excels on the inside or outside.

"I know that Cam Sutton is a great versatile player who can do many things," linebacker Robert Spillane said.

Sutton reiterated he is OK playing any position. It isn't out of the question that Sutton remains the Steelers' best option at dime/hybrid LB, his most defined role (when all were healthy) in recent seasons. Theoretically, the Steelers could draft a corner who plays inside or out and/or see growth in Pierre or Layne to trust them on the outside. If that happened, Sutton potentially could play three positions on three successive snaps.

Clarity figures to come in the next month. Or throughout spring workouts and training camp. But no matter how the Steelers line up their secondary for Week 1, circumstances figure to occur that have Sutton playing multiple positions throughout the season. Just as he has throughout his pro career.

"I love that," Sutton said. "It's more opportunity to impact the game. It's the flow of the game. There are situations where it's just a base defense out there, and I have the comfortability to play outside. Then obviously you have sub-packages and schematics. That creates opportunities for other guys, too. We're all in this together. It's not just me having this role. We're all moving pieces and parts that are interchangeable and can be productive."

The terms of Sutton's contract suggests if he seizes a full-time role and excels this season, he could be due a lucrative extension a year from now.

"I'm more than excited and willing and ready to put my best foot forward for this organization," Sutton said. "It's a blessing to continue what we've built the last four years."

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Chris Adamski is a Tribune-Review staff writer. You can contact Chris by email at cadamski@triblive.com or via Twitter .