(Photo by Joe Sargent/Getty Images)
The Steelers released cornerback Steven Nelson as a cap casualty last week, which saved the team $8.25 million in cap space. With the move, the Steelers will now be relying on Cam Sutton to be the No. 2 cornerback.
The decision to part ways with Nelson was surprising since he's been a pretty solid cornerback the last two seasons, but with a depressed salary cap, the Steelers had to make a tough business decision.
Aditi Kinkhabwala of the NFL Network was on 93.7 The Fan yesterday and said that she's talked to several people in the organization who feel that Sutton will be an upgrade over Nelson at cornerback.
Nelson had a better year in 2019 than this past year, as there were times in 2020 when he looked vulnerable. The game against Buffalo in Week 14 first comes to mind. I think Sutton's biggest advantage over Nelson is his ability to create turnovers.
In his two seasons with the Steelers, Nelson recorded just three interceptions and 17 passes defended. In his six-year career, he has produced just seven interceptions.
Sutton led the team in forced fumbles last year with three, producing it in three straight games against the Ravens, Cowboys and Bengals. He also has three interceptions and 17 passes defended in his career as a non-starter. With Sutton going into a starting role, his numbers should only increase. Given his potential and upside, it's not surprising to hear that people inside the organization feel like Sutton is an upgrade over Nelson. Sutton is ready to prove that he's capable of being a starter as well.
"No question. I'm coming for it all. I am definitely coming for it all," Sutton said of being the starting cornerback opposite of Joe Haden via Teresa Varley of Steelers.com. "That is just the competitive edge in me. An opportunity presented itself, and I am embracing that and ready to step into that role and give everything I can and will to help this organization. I just want to keep this thing rolling.
"I am excited for the guys we have in the building that I go to work with every day. We are able to continue that bond that carries the fight on the field. You do all of the work and build relationships and that is what carries the team. We are going to continue to get closer, add new pieces and continue to put ourselves in the best situation to win."
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