5 unproven Steelers the team will rely on during 2021 season

Cameron Sutton

One of the best and most surprising players on the team’s defense last season, Sutton was a key starter at both slot and outside cornerback for the Steelers. He played the most defensive snaps that he has ever played, as he was on the field for just over half of all of the defensive snaps. With the cornerback room suddenly barren, that number is going to spike though, and it will likely approach 100 percent of the snaps when all said and done.

This should not be much of a concern though, as Sutton was arguably the best cover cornerback for the Steelers last season. As well, he was impactful in forcing turnovers, as he forced three fumbles as well as picked off a pass. Add in him only giving up a 60.7 percent completion percentage and a quarterback rating of 79.8 when being targeted and suddenly Sutton has the chance to really cement himself as a top cornerback this season.

The only concern here is that Sutton gets exposed with more of a sample size. That isn’t the most unlikely option, as despite looking good so far, he has never played more than 53 percent of the snaps on defense. That said, I think 2021 becomes more of a prove-it season for Sutton, and if he does, he may be getting another contract worth a lot more than the 4.5 million a year he had signed for. Sutton isn’t just going to increase his playing time; he is going to try and cement himself as an ascending cornerback in the NFL.