4 moves to help Steelers keep a winning roster around QB Ben Roethlisberger
By Tommy Jaggi
Sign Cameron Sutton
So what is the plan for the cornerback position? For me, it would be to sign Cameron Sutton to a big extension. With Joe Haden gone in the hypothetical scenario, the Steelers need to have an answer in place at left cornerback. Though Sutton has never been a full-time player in this role, he has been brilliant when called upon in nickel and dime situations for Pittsburgh, and we hope that this would translate to success as a starting player.
Signing Mike Hilton is the other option the Steelers could explore, but I don’t like this as much. While Hilton is the better tackler and blitzer of the two, he is a slot-only option for the Steelers and doesn’t have the same coverage skills that Sutton has. On the other hand, Sutton has experience starting on the outside and has done a serviceable job in this role. He has a lineup up just about everywhere a cornerback can play.
It’s always a bit of a concern giving a sizable extension to a player that doesn’t have a lot of starting experience through his first contract. However, Sutton is a player who has made strides each year and has really stepped up for this team when called on. With Joe Haden gone in this scenario, I think it makes sense to bring Sutton back in 2021 and beyond.
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With Ben Roethlisberger returning for one last season, it’s important that the Steelers do everything in their power not to waste this opportunity. Though I’m not a fan of pushing more potential dead money into the future, some of these moves will have to be made if Pittsburgh wants another chance to compete in 2021.