5 free agent cornerbacks the Detroit Lions should target

3. Cameron Sutton

2022 Team: Pittsburgh Steelers

After not playing a bunch over his first four seasons, Sutton became nearly a full time player for the Steelers over the last two seasons (31 starts–over 2,000 combined snaps). In naming him as a free agent fit for the Lions back in January, Brad Spielberger of Pro Football Focus honed in on Sutton’s work as highlighted by PFF’s data.

"Sutton earned a career-best 72.2 grade as a full-time starter in 2022, allowing just 0.76 yards per coverage snap, good for 11th among cornerbacks with at least 200 coverage snaps on the season. He offers inside/outside versatility as well, though he’s been a starter on the outside the last two seasons."

According to Pro Football Reference, Sutton allowed a 47.9 percent completion rate and a 65.3 passer rating last season. Those are shutdown corner-like numbers, even within the context of benefitting from being part of a very good Pittsburgh defense. Quite simply, he was a big factor in that defense being as good as it was.

The Lions will certainly have plenty of competition for Sutton’s services, perhaps even from elsewhere in their own division. But he’s certainly worth pursuing, and he’d be higher on this list if not for who the top two are.