Detroit, MI – April 28, 2025
The Detroit Lions have rekindled a familiar flame, signing veteran cornerback Cam Sutton to a one-year, $2 million deal, sources tell ESPN. The move, finalized post-2025 NFL Draft, brings the 2017 third-round pick back to Motown to deepen a secondary eyeing a Super Bowl run after a 15-2 season.
Sutton, 30, starred for Detroit in 2023, logging 65 tackles and an interception across 17 games before his release in March 2024 amid a domestic violence case. After resolving legal matters and serving an eight-game NFL suspension, he played sparingly for Pittsburgh in 2024, recording 12 tackles. Now cleared, Sutton returns to a familiar system.
GM Brad Holmes, wielding $42.36 million in cap space, sees Sutton as a low-risk, high-reward addition. The Lions’ secondary, led by D.J. Reed and Terrion Arnold, ranked top-10 in pass defense, but depth faltered with 2024 injuries to Carlton Davis. Sutton’s versatility in slot and boundary roles fills the gap.
Sutton’s 2023 stint showcased his reliability, with a 58.7% completion rate allowed. Defensive coordinator Kelvin Sheppard plans to deploy him as a nickel or backup, supporting Amik Robertson and rookie Ennis Rakestraw Jr. The signing adds playoff-tested grit.
The Lions’ offense, averaging 32.1 points, thrives, but edge rush needs persist. Holmes’ move prioritizes defensive insurance over splashy acquisitions, leveraging Sutton’s familiarity. The $2 million deal preserves cap for in-season tweaks.
Sutton’s return stirs memories of his 2019 Pro Bowl nod with Pittsburgh. Can he reclaim his form? Detroit’s secondary, now deeper, looks poised to challenge NFC elites like Philadelphia.
As training camp looms, this reunion strengthens Detroit’s 2025 title hopes. The Lions’ defense is ready.
