4 Steelers set to breakout during the 2021 NFL season

The Steelers have a handful of players set to take the next step in their development, and 2021 could prove to be their breakout year.

Every year, the Steelers get a handful of players set up in a position where they can take on a new and expanded role for the team. Some of those players end up floundering, but others step up and showcase the talent that they have and break out. They go from a question mark to an exclamation point as they take on a more concrete role with the team. Here are the four Steelers set to break out during the 2021 season:

Steelers CB Cameron Sutton

It may have taken a few seasons, but Cameron Sutton is now one of the best cornerbacks currently on this roster. He had arguably his best season last year in a more expanded role, and now he figures to be the every-down starter at both outside and potentially slot cornerback if he kicks inside during sub-packages. Given the deal he received this year only being for two seasons, Sutton is still playing for a long-term deal with actual starter money involved.

Going into 2021, Sutton is in line to play every defensive snap assuming he remains healthy, and the team doesn’t pull him in the rare circumstance that the game is well in hand. Considering his quality of play has only gotten better every year since being drafted, there is a real chance Sutton ends the season in consideration as a top-15 overall cornerback in the league. He has a prime opportunity to prove that he is a true starting cornerback and set himself up for a payday in the near future.