Grading Lions' Signing of CB Cam Sutton

All Lions grades Brad Holmes' signing of free agent CB Cam Sutton.

The Detroit Lions made a splash early in free agency, signing cornerback Cameron Sutton to a three-year deal. The contract is worth $33 million, with $22.5 guaranteed.

Sutton is a versatile defender who has the ability to play both inside and outside at corner. He played a total of 931 defensive snaps for the Steelers in 2022, logging 655 as a wide cornerback and 185 as a slot cornerback.

He notched a career-best 15 passes defensed last season, intercepting three passes. He allowed a passer rating of 69.6 when targeted through the air last season.

Pittsburgh Steelers cornerback Cameron Sutton / © Charles LeClaire-USA TODAY Sports

Pro Football Focus was favorable of Sutton’s 2022 performance. He received a 71.6 overall grade and a 70.4 coverage grade. 

He was ranked as PFF’s 23rd-best available free agent entering the offseason.

Per the NFL's Next Gen Stats, opposing passers were 32-of-72 when throwing in his direction. That 44.4 percent completion rate ranked tied for fourth lowest in a single season since 2016. 

“Sutton did not become a full-time starter until 2021, his fifth year in the league, after he signed a two-year extension with Pittsburgh, but the Steelers’ continued investment in the 2017 third-round pick paid off handsomely this past season,” wrote the NFL’s Next Gen Stats team. “He established a no-fly zone on the right side of the defense, allowing just 32 receptions on 72 targets. His 44.4 percent completion rate allowed in coverage was fifth-lowest by any defender with at least 50 targets in a season since 2016.” 

The 28-year-old veteran is a big addition for the Lions' defense. Defensive coordinator Aaron Glenn struggled to get clarity at the cornerback position last season. Jeff Okudah, Will Harris, Jerry Jacobs, Mike Hughes and Amani Oruwariye all started games at the position last season.

The six-year veteran has been stable throughout his career, playing in 84 games. He’s started in 39 of those appearances, including a combined 31 times over the last two seasons. He also has eight career interceptions.

Along with his skills in coverage, the former Steelers defensive back is also adequate against the run. He made 43 tackles for Pittsburgh last season, and finished with a PFF run defense grade of 73.6. 

Hughes, Harris and Oruwariye are all free agents, so Sutton’s arrival likely means some departures. The Lions clearly weren’t satisfied with the production at the position, which made Sutton a necessary add.

The former Steeler was PFF's 28th-ranked cornerback in 2022. By comparison, Harris was the highest ranked Lion at 64th overall. 

Sutton will be the oldest member of Detroit's secondary at 28 years old. The Lions don't currently have a player on the roster older than 29, and only three players have played longer than his six-year career. 

It’s the longest contract handed out by Lions general manager Brad Holmes, who had previously never signed a player to a deal longer than two seasons. The signing of Sutton, set to turn 28, signals the Lions’ desire to contend in 2023.

As consistent as Sutton has been in his career, expect him to have a sizable, immediate impact on Detroit’s defense in 2023.

Grade: A+