The Lions have announced that they will be releasing cornerback Cameron Sutton, who played for the team last season. Although he started in all games, including regular season and postseason matches, Sutton has been under investigation for a felony charge of domestic battery by strangulation since March 7, following an incident where he allegedly battered a woman at a residence before fleeing.
The charge carries a maximum penalty of five years in prison. Due to his release, the Lions were able to invalidate his guaranteed salary for 2024. However, it is unlikely that they will be able to recover any of the $10.9 million signing bonus he received in 2023 as part of a three-year deal. Normally, a signing bonus forfeiture occurs when a player misses a mandatory practice or game due to suspension or incarceration.
However, it is important to note that in some circumstances, a team may not be able to eliminate guarantees before the NFL takes official action. While Sutton’s guaranteed salary for 2024 was voided before his release, the Lions will not likely be able to reclaim any of the signing bonus.
