ESPN Predicts Steelers Lose CB1 Cameron Sutton To NFC In Free Agency, But Bring In Raiders Free Agent To Replace Him

It should be pretty clear to fans of the Pittsburgh Steelers that cornerback, Cameron Sutton is the top priority over the course of the next month when it comes to internal free agents. One of the key pieces of the franchise's secondary in 2022, Sutton had three interceptions and will be without an unquestioned top cornerback in 2023 if he walks and signs elsewhere. It will be interesting to see how aggressive the organization is before free agency begins in March in regards to Sutton. Unfortunately, not everyone is believing that he will return to Pittsburgh.

Matt Bowen, an NFL staff writer for ESPN released an article on Tuesday morning addressing what the best landing spot is for the league's top 50 free agents. He is not on the train that stops with Sutton back in the black and gold. He thinks he would be a perfect fit for an NFC contender:

"Sutton will have multiple suitors given his flexibility to play in the slot; Tennessee, Atlanta and Las Vegas all work here. But with the number of 49ers defensive backs heading to free agency and Sutton's ability to cover in man and find the ball in zone, the fit works in San Francisco with new defensive coordinator Steve Wilks. Sutton posted three interceptions and 15 pass breakups for the Steelers in 2022, which were both career highs."

Bowen makes great points regarding Sutton's ability to fit into San Francisco's system, but the 49ers aren't the only team. This is why the Steelers need to make an aggressive effort to sign him prior to free agency beginning. No team will have the right to speak with him if Pittsburgh can lock him into a new contract in the comings weeks.

Could Steelers Go After Raiders Cornerback?

While Bowen thinks Sutton is a fit elsewhere, he is a fan of a different cornerback who might make sense for Pittsburgh. The Indianapolis Colts traded cornerback, Rock Ya-Sin to the Las Vegas Raiders in March of 2022 and now that his rookie contract is officially expired, he will have the opportunity to make a decision on his future. The Steelers would be wise to take a look, per Bowen:

"How strong the market for Ya-Sin ends up being will play a role in the Steelers' ability to make a move, but I like the fit -- especially if Pittsburgh can't re-sign Sutton. Ya-Sin is well-versed in both man and zone schemes and has a physical approach to the game, so he would upgrade the perimeter of the Steelers' secondary. He had seven pass breakups this season and allowed just one touchdown receptions as the nearest defender, according to NFL Next Gen Stats."

The demand for Ya-Sin is not yet known in part because of he finished the season on IR with a knee injury that was the reason he missed the last month and a half of the season.

One way or the other, the Steelers are going to need cornerback help in 2023. Sutton remains the piece that will determine how aggressive the organization is in free agency and the draft. A former second-round pick, Ya-Sin isn't a turnover machine, but a versatile player who could fit in and essentially fill the role of Sutton if he does indeed walk in free agency.

Would you be okay with letting Sutton sign elsewhere and targeting Ya-Sin?