This warrant has been active for nearly two weeks, as Woodyard adds police cannot locate Sutton. Police in Florida issued the warrant March 7. The search for Sutton stems from police responding to a call pertaining to an alleged domestic incident early that morning in Lutz, Florida. The Lions have confirmed they are aware of the warrant.
Sutton fled the scene after this alleged battery, Woodyard indicates. Police told Woodyard that evidence of wounds were present on the woman’s body. In addition to his Detroit residence, Sutton has a home in Pinellas County, Florida but the authorities’ search for the 29-year-old cornerback there — along with calls from detectives — has not produced an arrest.
This development obviously represents significant trouble for Sutton, who signed a three-year, $33M deal with the Lions in 2023. Sutton is due a $10.5M base salary in 2024, with $9M of that guaranteed. An NFL suspension would void that guarantee. The league’s personal conduct policy does not require a conviction to take place for a ban to be levied.
Brought over after six Steelers seasons, Sutton started all 20 Lions games last year. He intercepted one pass and broke up six more. Pro Football Focus did not view Sutton as a quality corner in 2023, slotting him outside the top 100 after he had played well on the Pittsburgh pact to earn the Detroit offer.