Vikings Rivals Cut Ties with Starting CB
Josh Frey
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The Detroit Lions were one of the biggest risers in the NFL during the 2023 season.
After a strong finish in 2022 to finish the year with a 9-8 record, the Vikings rivals improved further in 2023 by finishing the season with a 12-5 record and an NFC North title. One reason for that was an improved defense, and free agent acquisition cornerback Cameron Sutton.
However, Detroit opted to cut ties with Sutton on Thursday, releasing him just one season after he signed his three-year contract.
Vikings Rivals Cut Ties with Starting CB
Field Yates of ESPN reported the news, tweeting, “The Lions officially released CB Cam Sutton with a post-June 1 designation. That allows the team to spread the dead money associated with his release over two seasons. The team will pick up $1.5M in cap space on June 1.”
There is context behind this decision from Detroit. Adam Schefter of ESPN reported that there has been an arrest warrant out on Sutton in Florida for “about two weeks” because of his role in a domestic violence suit. Schefter tweeted, “Police in Florida have been searching for Detroit Lions cornerback Cameron Sutton for about two weeks after an arrest warrant was issued over his alleged involvement in a domestic violence case.”
Sutton began his NFL career with the Pittsburgh Steelers after being selected in the third round of the 2017 NFL Draft. He spent six seasons in Pittsburgh, playing 84 games and making 39 starts while recording 168 tackles, eight tackles for loss, two sacks, 38 passes defended, eight interceptions, and five forced fumbles.
Sutton then signed a three-year contract with the Lions worth a total of $33 million. This past season, the cornerback started all 17 games for Detroit and put together 65 tackles, four tackles for loss, six passes defended, and an interception.
However, with his release, the Lions are now on the hook for a grand total of $17.72 million in dead money for Sutton over the next few years. According to Over the Cap, with a post-June 1st release, the Lions will be on the hook for $11.18 million in 2024 and $2.18 million afterwards.
Detroit did trade for Carlton Davis last week, meaning they still have plenty of starting talent in their secondary. Along with Davis, Detroit’s cornerback room includes Amik Robertson, Emmanuel Moseley, Khalil Dorsey, Craig James, and Steven Gilmore.
Editor’s Note: Statistics for this article were found via Pro Football Reference.
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Josh Frey is a Class of 2020 graduate of The College of Idaho and managing editor of PurplePTSD.com. When he’s not writing about the NFL, Josh enjoys running, gaming, or rooting for the Milwaukee Brewers and Bucks. Check out his Twitter account: @Freyed_Chicken.