DETROIT — The Detroit Lions released cornerback Cam Sutton on Thursday afternoon, a day after it was announced a warrant had been issued for his arrest in Hillsborough County (Fla.), relating to an alleged domestic violence incident in the early-morning hours of March 7.

Sutton is wanted for domestic battery by strangulation, a felony with a potential penalty of up to five years in prison. The warrant, issued by the county's sheriff's office, was made public through the department's social media account. Sutton had not turned himself in as of Thursday morning.

The Lions released a statement Wednesday afternoon, stating: "We became aware of the ongoing legal situation involving Cam Sutton this morning. We will continue to monitor the situation and will not have further comment at this time."

Sutton joined the Lions as a free agent last offseason, signing a three-year, $33 million contract after spending his first six seasons with the Pittsburgh Steelers. He started all 17 regular-season games and three playoff games for the Lions in 2023.

The Lions remain on the hook for the original terms of his contract, at least for the time being. That means they'll be responsible for $19.2 million in lingering dead money. They officially designated Sutton a post-June 1 release, which lessens their 2024 cap obligation. The team could pursue both the nullification of his fully guaranteed $10.5 million base salary, plus the recouping of a significant portion of his $10.9 million signing bonus, depending on how his legal issues play out.

Even prior to his release, the Sutton signing had been a bust for the Lions as he struggled in the role of No. 1 cornerback. According to Pro Football Focus, he allowed a staggering 122.0 passer rating when targeted last season, surrendering a 68.1 completion percentage for 1,173 yards and eight touchdowns with only one interception.

The Lions had already invested heavily into improving its cornerback group this offseason, highlighted by a trade for Carlton Davis III, the longtime Tampa Bay Buccaneer. The team also re-signed Emmanuel Moseley, who suffered an ACL tear two snaps into his Lions debut in 2023, and signed free agent Amik Robertson to presumably compete for playing time with Sutton and Moseley.

Robertson spent his first four seasons in Las Vegas and was a defensive contributor for the Raiders the past two years, intercepting four passes during that stretch.