Heading into this offseason, cornerback was on the top, if not the top priority, the Detroit Lions needed to address to fill some glaring gaps that plagued the team this past season. General Manager Brad Holmes wasted no time and snagged one of the top cornerback free agents this offseason, Cam Sutton, to shore up the secondary. All parties are excited about the possible opportunities.
The Lions have had a rough go when it comes to cornerback, either through injuries, free agency misses, or trading away top talent. With the current regime, they are ready to right that wrong and make sure the problems that hurt them in recent years doesn’t come to bite them again. Enter Cam Sutton.
Sutton is a versatile defender that can play outside or inside, but considering the contract, the Lions shelled out he will more than likely play outside using his high football IQ and savvy moves to control opposing receivers. In addition, he possesses a personality that will fit right in with the culture the Lions are trying to build in Detroit, and he wants to be part of it. This is a common theme we have been seeing with the players the Lions are bringing in.
At his introductory press conference on Thursday, Sutton talked about why he came to Detroit.
“I know they’re doing the right things. You know that they bring the right people in the building, and we’re close,” Sutton said. “Organization’s ready to turn the hump, regardless of what you may see or what you may think or any other stuff. We’re here to play. We’re not here just to show up and be in the building and say we’re a part of this league. We’re here to leave our mark. We’re right there.”
Head Coach Dan Campell has been a major influence in bringing in players with his high energy and passion, which makes Detroit an optimal destination for players to come to play. Similar to defensive lineman John Cominsky, who ultimately decided to come back when he received a text from Campbell, the head coach had a major influence in bringing in Sutton.
“Seeing what he’s been doing around the league, it’s exhilarating, man. Like, guys love this guy,” Sutton enthused. “Not just me speaking, but you see how far it spreads around the league. Guys want to play for him. Guys love the energy and everything he brings to the game. He’s passionate, and he’s always going to be passionate about what he does. You need that. You need someone who’s going to be head over heels.”
The Lions made a strong push for Sutton, as they were his first call, and the feelings were mutual. However, he mentioned the Lions didn’t need to make a strong pitch to drive him to Detroit. He wanted stability, which is a breath of fresh air considering the Lions would usually have to overpay to bring in players like Sutton.
“Playing Detroit over the years, it’s always been that tough-nosed, grit team. These are styles that I’m a part of; that’s my identity; it’s my game. Just ready to infuse that into a new division, just take over a division,” Sutton stated.
Sutton is ready to hit the ground running. He will not only bring stability in the secondary, but as a veteran, he will help some of the younger players on the team and become a strong leader. He wants to be part of something special and help continue building a solid core for the Lions.
“We got a really good group, man. We have a really good special group. I haven’t even stepped foot with them, just to even play a down with them, but just seeing how they play, man, situations of a year.”
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