Steelers Expected To Activate Sutton From Injured Reserve

[polamalubeast]

Even with five healthy cornerbacks, and a sixth in Joe Haden who's hopeful of returning by the end of the regular season, the Steelers are expected to recall rookie cornerback Cameron Sutton from the injured reserve list early this week.
Sutton was the team's third-round draft pick out of Tennessee who missed most of training camp with a hamstring injury. He returned to play in the third preseason game and broke up a pass on his first play as a slot defender. On the next series, as an outside corner, Sutton tackled a running back for a 3-yard loss.
Sutton also played in the fourth preseason game. Overall in the preseason he played 27 defensive snaps and 7 special-teams snaps, and made 6 tackles with a quarterback hit and the pass defense.
Sutton made the 53-man roster out of camp, but, because he aggravated his injury in the fourth game, was put on IR the following day.
The Steelers are allowed two recalls from the IR list and Sutton would be the first, and probably only, such move they make this season.

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https://scout.com/nfl/steelers/Artic...erve-110783801

[BlackAndGold]

Doesn't mention Hunter, but Fort and McCullers as potential cuts..

Can see Big Dan getting cut. D-line depth is great, they still have Lavon Hooks on the practice squad.


I guess we'll hear about this sometime during the week.

[DesertSteel]

Big Dan. What a colossal disappointment.

[86WARD]

You can’t cut Hunter...Bryant is and will be a “?” for a long time.

[Rotorhead]

With Alualu, Big Dan is no longer needed, I think he will be cut. I want Sutten to get some playing time under his belt so I am glad about this. It gives us a lot of options going into the playoffs and for the future. Now, if we could just lock down a replacement for Mitchell!

[El-Gonzo Jackson]

With Alualu, Big Dan is no longer needed, I think he will be cut. I want Sutten to get some playing time under his belt so I am glad about this. It gives us a lot of options going into the playoffs and for the future. Now, if we could just lock down a replacement for Mitchell!

I think they will wait until the draft to do that, along with hopefully a TE.

[Psycho Ward 86]

Gilbert is getting suspended for PED's so now we dont need to cut anyone

[teegre]

I can’t wait to see Sutton in action.

[Craic]

With Alualu, Big Dan is no longer needed, I think he will be cut. I want Sutten to get some playing time under his belt so I am glad about this. It gives us a lot of options going into the playoffs and for the future. Now, if we could just lock down a replacement for Mitchell!

Replacing Mitchell isn't even close to a priority on our lists of needs. We need to find a replacement for Ben (because he only has at most a couple-three more years). We need a TE. I'd argue we even need a dedicated NT and another ILB over a replacement for Mitchell. Is he a great safety? No, but at worst, he is average to above average.

[El-Gonzo Jackson]

Replacing Mitchell isn't even close to a priority on our lists of needs. We need to find a replacement for Ben (because he only has at most a couple-three more years). We need a TE. I'd argue we even need a dedicated NT and another ILB over a replacement for Mitchell. Is he a great safety? No, but at worst, he is average to above average.

Mike Mitchell counts $8.1 million against the salary cap this year and another $8.1 million next season. I agree with Rotorhead that I would like to see a replacement for Mitchell, because when you are paying $8 million a year for an average safety, there are other positions that you cannot financially address due to cap constraints. I honestly think Mitchell gets released in the offseason to save cap space.

[cubanstogie]

Mike Mitchell counts $8.1 million against the salary cap this year and another $8.1 million next season. I agree with Rotorhead that I would like to see a replacement for Mitchell, because when you are paying $8 million a year for an average safety, there are other positions that you cannot financially address due to cap constraints. I honestly think Mitchell gets released in the offseason to save cap space.

8 mill is quite a bit for an "average safety", but after watching Golden last week Mitchell looked like Ronnie Lott or Steve Atwater.

[tube517]

Mike Mitchell counts $8.1 million against the salary cap this year and another $8.1 million next season. I agree with Rotorhead that I would like to see a replacement for Mitchell, because when you are paying $8 million a year for an average safety, there are other positions that you cannot financially address due to cap constraints. I honestly think Mitchell gets released in the offseason to save cap space.

I agree. Plus, he will be 31 next year.

[El-Gonzo Jackson]

8 mill is quite a bit for an "average safety", but after watching Golden last week Mitchell looked like Ronnie Lott or Steve Atwater.

What did Robert Golden do last week that was so terrible? I didn't see its impact in the game, but I missed part of the 2nd quarter.

[SteelMember]

What did Robert Golden do last week that was so terrible? I didn't see its impact in the game, but I missed part of the 2nd quarter.

Was Coty supposed to get any kind of help on that deep middle TD pass to Matthews? Looked like Golden pushed to double the boundary man really early... then made a really crappy tackle attempt.

[polamalubeast]

[El-Gonzo Jackson]

Was Coty supposed to get any kind of help on that deep middle TD pass to Matthews? Looked like Golden pushed to double the boundary man really early... then made a really crappy tackle attempt.

On that play Davis was in the box, man on the TE and the Steelers must have been doubling Corey Davis, because Artie Burns instantly releases him inside and deep to play underneath trail technique, while Golden immediately took away the deep corner pattern, so that left Sensabaugh and others in man with no help over the top. It looks like a designed bracket of Corey Davis, so no Coty wasn't going to get deep help to the middle.

I think Golden played it the way they wanted, but could have got his head around quicker when the ball was out to get back in the play and have a better angle to make the tackle.

[Rotorhead]

I agree that QB is going to be a need also, however I disagree with all the hate on Outlaw. He is not the best blocker, but he is reliable on making the catches that are thrown to him (ala Heath Miller at the end of his career, catch with not much yardage after). I can wait on a TE. ILB . . . well we seem to be doing quite well with Shazier and Williams this year so I can wait on that as well. Next draft we are going to pick low again, so if you think we can bundle our 1-2 picks for a shot at Ben's replacement (I don't) then we can address that, however it makes more sense to use our top 3 picks on a S, TE and ILB and pick a stop gap QB in FA. Maybe Ben stays for 1 more year after this to try for SB #4 for him and then I expect a low period, a roster shakeup and our next franchise QB to rebuild with.

[Craic]

I agree that QB is going to be a need also, however I disagree with all the hate on Outlaw. He is not the best blocker, but he is reliable on making the catches that are thrown to him (ala Heath Miller at the end of his career, catch with not much yardage after). I can wait on a TE. ILB . . . well we seem to be doing quite well with Shazier and Williams this year so I can wait on that as well. Next draft we are going to pick low again, so if you think we can bundle our 1-2 picks for a shot at Ben's replacement (I don't) then we can address that, however it makes more sense to use our top 3 picks on a S, TE and ILB and pick a stop gap QB in FA. Maybe Ben stays for 1 more year after this to try for SB #4 for him and then I expect a low period, a roster shakeup and our next franchise QB to rebuild with.

James is serviceable. However, if we can pick up a TE with better blocking ability or a better YAC ability, the net increase n fixing one of the teams weak spots would be much greater than picking up a safety to replace Mitchell unless that player was special. As for Ben's replacement, I really wouldn't mind seeing us trade out of the first and, say, third round this year for a middle first next year. then, we can bundle that with our other first next year and trade up to get a QB. Then, use the second this year on a TE if he's around. As for ILB, yes, they're doing well. However, who's behind them? An injury there is going to seriously hurt. I think it's more important to backfill that position than get a safety.

- - - Updated - - -

Mike Mitchell counts $8.1 million against the salary cap this year and another $8.1 million next season. I agree with Rotorhead that I would like to see a replacement for Mitchell, because when you are paying $8 million a year for an average safety, there are other positions that you cannot financially address due to cap constraints. I honestly think Mitchell gets released in the offseason to save cap space.

Cap space is a different argument. There, you might be right. I was just arguing level of play.

[El-Gonzo Jackson]

I agree that QB is going to be a need also, however I disagree with all the hate on Outlaw. He is not the best blocker, but he is reliable on making the catches that are thrown to him (ala Heath Miller at the end of his career, catch with not much yardage after). I can wait on a TE. ILB . . . well we seem to be doing quite well with Shazier and Williams this year so I can wait on that as well. Next draft we are going to pick low again, so if you think we can bundle our 1-2 picks for a shot at Ben's replacement (I don't) then we can address that, however it makes more sense to use our top 3 picks on a S, TE and ILB and pick a stop gap QB in FA. Maybe Ben stays for 1 more year after this to try for SB #4 for him and then I expect a low period, a roster shakeup and our next franchise QB to rebuild with.

I'm not a James hater, but just realize that he is a complimentary TE in the NFL. A #2 guy on most rosters, a #3 talent on some other rosters and I think the Steelers front office and coaches are aware of that with them moves of going after Ladarius Green last year and Vance Mcdonald this season.

If Ben retires, the Steelers can shop for a QB in free agency with the money they will save from cutting Mitchell and McDonald, then structuring a long term deal with Bell and then look at drafting a Safety and TE with priorities in the first 2 rounds. If Ben stays another season, then they can still address the Safety or TE and QB positions in a combination of draft and FA, but the savings they find from moving on from Mitchell and McDonald will help.

[Craic]

I'm not a James hater, but just realize that he is a complimentary TE in the NFL. A #2 guy on most rosters, a #3 talent on some other rosters and I think the Steelers front office and coaches are aware of that with them moves of going after Ladarius Green last year and Vance Mcdonald this season.

If Ben retires, the Steelers can shop for a QB in free agency with the money they will save from cutting Mitchell and McDonald, then structuring a long term deal with Bell and then look at drafting a Safety and TE with priorities in the first 2 rounds. If Ben stays another season, then they can still address the Safety or TE and QB positions in a combination of draft and FA, but the savings they find from moving on from Mitchell and McDonald will help.

I'd prefer they restructure Mitchell's contract instead. What I don't want to see happen is this team finally getting on track defensively and being able to stop the pass, only to then lose a starting safety and end up not picking up another one, or having that one not work out in our system. As for Ben coming back, if we win the SB this year, I think he retires much like Manning and Bettis. If we get close, I think he comes back for one more shot.

As for salary for a new QB, I don't think we have to make such drastic changes. Ben's salary cap hit alone is 23 million next year. If we lose him, we eat only 12.4 mill in dead money, leaving 11 million open next year alone to sign a QB. It also clears up the 23 mill cap hit the following year (with no dead money for Ben since it was accelerated). If you brought someone like Cousins in, that first year's salary can be buoyed by a signing bonus spread out over the next few years. Dumping McDonald clears up another 5 mill or so without any dead money (depending on who replaces him) and Harrison leaving clears another 1.5 or so million. That gives us 17 mill to offer the first year under the cap with signing bonuses extended it out a few years. I should not, however, that several players will eat up more of the cap next year, but I'm thinking the cap increase will alleviate most of that pressure. The big question will be Bell's salary. However, that cap hit can be managed as well, which may even give us more money under the cap right now.

[tube517]

Mitchell will be 31 next year. He is annoying with his celebrations after routine plays but more important, he plays through alot of injuries. My concern is these injuries are starting to pile up at his age and add that w/the cap hit, I wouldn't be surprised if he is gone. I'm not saying we should cut him but looking at the overall picture, I understand it.

[Born2Steel]

I'm ok with replacing Mitchell if it's with a veteran safety. I do not want another rookie back there.

[El-Gonzo Jackson]

Mitchell will be 31 next year. He is annoying with his celebrations after routine plays but more important, he plays through alot of injuries. My concern is these injuries are starting to pile up at his age and add that w/the cap hit, I wouldn't be surprised if he is gone. I'm not saying we should cut him but looking at the overall picture, I understand it.

I agree. Getting old, costing too much and injuries piling up. The thing I find interesting is how fans went from enjoying the greatness that was Troy Polamalu, to embracing the mediocrity that is Mike Mitchell.

I would rather they moved on and either pick up another free agent, or draft a rookie, or both. Still, if he has 1 more season at $8million and they draft his replacement this spring, that works too. They did a good thing in getting Sean Davis, now I would like to see the other safety spot upgraded next season.

[Psycho Ward 86]

It would be really nice to replace Mitchell with an immediate, experienced veteran but the free-safety capable market doesnt look too promising this offseason overall.


If we do go for somebody, how about Eric Reid? Still young, decent bill of health, a pro bowl player not too long ago but probably kind of forgotten because he was drafted by the 49ers just as they started to go on their speedy descent into mediocrity.

Designated strong safety, but was drafted as a free safety. He got converted to linebacker this season by the 49ers to keep the best 11 players on the field. High football IQ guy. Davis and Reid together would look wonderful in tandem as they can both play anywhere.

[DesertSteel]

What the heck is up with Wilcox??? I thought he just had football bumps and bruises but he's on a milk carton now.

[SteelerFanInStl]

What the heck is up with Wilcox??? I thought he just had football bumps and bruises but he's on a milk carton now.

Yea, I'd like to know also. I thought that he came right in and played pretty well and then he disappeared.

[FrancoLambert]

Big Dan. What a colossal disappointment.

How he continues to stick around amazes me. The guy does nothing for us.

[Craic]

Mitchell will be 31 next year. He is annoying with his celebrations after routine plays but more important, he plays through alot of injuries. My concern is these injuries are starting to pile up at his age and add that w/the cap hit, I wouldn't be surprised if he is gone. I'm not saying we should cut him but looking at the overall picture, I understand it.

Again, those are considerations I'm okay with. What I was responding to was the idea that Mitchell is a liability on this team. He's much better than people give him credit for.

I agree. Getting old, costing too much and injuries piling up. The thing I find interesting is how fans went from enjoying the greatness that was Troy Polamalu, to embracing the mediocrity that is Mike Mitchell.

Only if Mitchell was mediocre, which he isn't. No, he's not lighting up the position, but on the balance sheet, he's been a solid safety for us. Moreover, there's a little reality here that many don't seem to embrace. Troy P. was a once-in-a-generation player. Odds are we're not going to get another one like him for quite a while. Moreover, we are now starting five first round draft picks on defense and brought in a sixth, and are also starting 2 second round picks. At the level they're playing at, we have to pay them (especially as we're also trying to pay a RB and WR who are both perhaps the best in the NFL at their position, as well as a Center and Guard who might rank the same. It's not like the days when we had a first rounder in Troy, Casey, and everyone else were low-round picks. And, yes, that's exactly what they were. Keisel was a seventh round pick, Kimo von Oelhoffen was a 6th round pick, Aaron Smith a 4th round pick. Ike Taylor was a 4th round pick as was Larry Foote. Clark Haggans was a fifth round pick. And Ryan Clark and James Harrison were undrafted as was Harrison. Sure, we picked up another first and second round LB in Timmons and Woodley, but we did so when we had a horrible Oline that deserved little money, fielded an undrafted RB and only had two receivers of note (and that, only for three years).

Why does all that matter? Because the reality is we're only paying Mitchell 5 mill this year, which puts him 28th in earned salaries for safeties. The other 3 mill in the cap hit is bonuses that we're on the hook for no matter what. So, keeping in mind we'd be paying that 3 mill whether we released him or not, do you really think we could get a better safety than Mitchell to come in and play for the 28th highest cash salary at that position?

[El-Gonzo Jackson]

Why does all that matter? Because the reality is we're only paying Mitchell 5 mill this year, which puts him 28th in earned salaries for safeties. The other 3 mill in the cap hit is bonuses that we're on the hook for no matter what. So, keeping in mind we'd be paying that 3 mill whether we released him or not, do you really think we could get a better safety than Mitchell to come in and play for the 28th highest cash salary at that position?

What is the cap savings if Mitchell is released prior to the 2018 season? I believe its significant.

Mitchell is tied for 26th highest paid safety. Do you think there are other NFL safeties that are making less who are better? Below are a few that make less than the $5million salary Mitchell makes this year.

-DJ Swearinger
-Reggie Nelson
-Antoine Bethea
-TJ Ward
-Malik Hooker
-Karl Joseph
-Patrick Chung
-Keanu Neal
-Kenny Vacarro
-Eric Reid
-HaHa Clinton Dix
-Jimmy Ward
-Landon Collins
-Jaquiski Tartt
-Vonn Bell
-Tre Boston

I think there is are a lot of other NFL safeties that are better than Mitchell and make less money. I looked it up and the Steelers can save $6.4 million in cap space by releasing the 31 year old Mitchell next season. IMO, its a reasonable possibility.

[Craic]

I looked it up and the Steelers can save $6.4 million in cap space by releasing the 31 year old Mitchell next season. IMO, its a reasonable possibility.

That depends on what else happens at that position. If the BPA falling to the 32nd position is a FS and he comes on strong in OTAs, then I see that possibility being entertained. I do not see us actively seeking a FS veteran, however. The other option is a restructured contract, which I think is a more likely option. Maybe even extending him a year or two to soften the cap hit.