Cameron Sutton predicted to make full star turn in first year with the Lions

Cameron Sutton was the first piece of the Detroit Lions remodeled secondary, but can he take a full star turn this year?

Early in free agency, general manager Brad Holmes showed he meant business by signing cornerback Cameron Sutton in the first move to reshape the Detroit Lions secondary. Sutton was a well-known name to casual NFL fans. But he had become a starter on a good Pittsburgh Steelers' defense over the last couple seasons, to make him plenty well-known to NFL front offices.

Pro Football Focus offered a deeper reveal of how good Sutton has been, last year in particular.

"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."

Sutton immediately comes in as one of the oldest players on the Lions' roster. He is embracing the leadership role for a young team, in a way he probably couldn't easily have done during his time with the Steelers.

Cameron Suttton lined up for a full star turn in first season with the Lions

Jeff Kerr of CBS Sports recently tabbed one underrated player from each NFC team who could become a star in 2023. Sutton was his choice for the Lions.

"One of the free agent signings who is part of the Lions' revamped secondary, Sutton could be a star in Detroit. Sutton allowed just a 54.6 passer rating in coverage last season with three interceptions, also having a career high in passes defensed (15).

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"Sutton allowed the eighth-lowest passer rating in coverage last season among players targeted a minimum of 50 times, so he's already one of the top cover corners in the game. If the Lions make a deep playoff run, Sutton will become a well-known name. "

As the No. 1 cornerback for the Lions, Sutton will have more spotlight (and pressure) on him
this year than he has ever had before. It appears he's up to that task. A full-on star turn, as he becomes a big name nationally and broadly recognized as one of the best corners in the NFL, is certainly in play.