Cam Sutton gets second chance in NFL after domestic violence incident in Hillsborough County

Video above: Cam Sutton released from Hillsborough County Jail

PITTSBURGH (AP) — Cameron Sutton is getting a second chance in the NFL with the Pittsburgh Steelers.

The club signed the veteran defensive back to a one-year deal on Wednesday, more than two months after the Detroit Lions released Sutton for his involvement in an alleged domestic violence incident in Hillsborough County.

Sutton eventually turned himself in to authorities and entered a diversion program in April after the charge was reduced from a felony to assault. His agreement with prosecutors required Sutton to undergo a psychiatric evaluation.

The 29-year-old participated in organized team activities shortly after the deal was announced, but declined to comment further on the reasons for his arrest or possible penalties the NFL could impose if it finds that he violated the league’s rules of conduct.

“Everyone is going to face adversity in life,” Sutton said. “So it’s how you deal with it, how you go through those stages and just know who you are and not let anyone else dim your light.”

Sutton, 29, spent the first six seasons of his career with the Steelers before signing a three-year contract with Detroit last spring.

He said several members of the Pittsburgh organization have been in touch over the past few months and the dialogue has evolved to a point where the team felt ready to offer him another chance at a place he knows well.

“(They) just checked on my well-being and made sure I was OK,” he said. “And then from a business perspective, they just looked at what the next opportunity might be and now we’re here and ready to give my best.”

Sutton excelled during his time with Pittsburgh, where he was relied upon for his versatility to play both cornerback and nickelback. During his first stint with the Steelers from 2017-22, he played in 84 games and intercepted eight passes.

Steelers safety Minkah Fitzpatrick described Sutton as “just another piece on the chessboard.”

“Cam is a great guy,” Fitzpatrick said. “We all have our faults and our situations, but we’re going to welcome him with open arms and treat him like he never left.”

Pittsburgh is looking for a proven backup player for the secondary to play alongside Joey Porter Jr., who shone as a rookie last season.

Sutton recorded 65 tackles and an interception for the Lions, who won the NFC North and advanced to the NFC Championship game before losing to San Francisco.

Although he struggled at times in Detroit, the team wanted to bring him back. He was actually at the team’s practice facility when the Lions learned of his arrest warrant and released him almost immediately.

Now Sutton gets a somewhat unexpected chance to hit the reset button.

“There is so much to be thankful for, so many opportunities,” Sutton said.