7 free-agent cornerbacks the Vikings could sign in 2023
By Chris Schad
Cameron Sutton
2022 Team: Pittsburgh Steelers
Former Dolphins and Patriots aren’t the only connections Brian Flores has, as he can also network during his time as linebackers coach for the Pittsburgh Steelers.
One of the biggest products of that pipeline is Cameron Sutton. The soon-to-be 28-year-old spent most of his early career in the slot, but he has been a starter on the outside in each of the past two seasons for the Steelers. That experience in both positions has led to a high number of his snaps in man coverage, and it led to a strong performance in 2022.
Sutton ranked 12th in the NFL among qualifying cornerbacks with 35.9 percent of his snaps in man coverage last season and ranked 25th with a passer rating of 83.8 when targeted. Those numbers figure to have him looking for a larger payday, as he made just $4.5 million with a $5.2 million cap hit.
PFF projects Sutton to earn $8 million per season on his next contract, but his prior connection to Flores and the Vikings’ need for coverage corners make him worthy of the financial gymnastics needed to make it work.