The Steelers have made a number of moves on the defensive line this offseason, which has left Tyson Alualu on the open market into June. The veteran aims to play in 2023, and his preference would be another campaign spent in Pittsburgh. 
During an appearance on The Sick Podcast, the 36-year-old spoke about his plans for the upcoming season. He acknowledged that little is known with respect to his immediate future since he remains unsigned, but his approach to the offseason has not been different from those of years past. Another Steelers contract is his target, though a move elsewhere could still be in the cards.
“I’m preparing like I will play this season,” Alualu said. “I can’t tell where it’s gonna be. But in a perfect world, I would love to be back with the Steelers and finish here. But I’ve been training and it felt normal.”
The former top-10 pick spent the first seven years of his career in Jacksonville, starting 87 of 110 contests with the Jaguars. That was followed by a series of two-year deals with the Steelers, including one in 2021 which came after he appeared to have a return to Duval County in place. Alualu was limited to two games that year, but he returned to full health last season and suited up for all 17 contests.
The Cal alum saw his snap share fall to a career-low 27%, however, and he received a poor evaluation from PFF in run defense in particular, something which had traditionally been a strong suit. The Steelers have since made a number of decisions along their defensive front – including a new, three-year deal for Larry Ogunjobi – which do not include Alualu.
Pittsburgh has in-house option Montravius Adams as a familiar face at the defensive tackle spot. The team also signed Armon Watts and Breiden Fehoko in free agency, and added Keeanu Benton in the second round of this year’s draft. The Steelers currently have over $15.7MM in cap space, so they could easily afford a modest deal for Alualu if they reciprocated his desire to play at least one more year in Pittsburgh. If that is not the case, though, it will be worth monitoring if interest from other teams picks up in the summer.
Great guy, was a truly great contributor prior to his injury. But he was not good last season, and there’s no room at the inn now.
I wouldn’t mind him back in a lessor role if the price is right
Theoretically I wouldn’t either, but between Watts, Fehoko and other additions they may have younger guys who can do the same for less money. But if August rolls around and injuries have struck or they don’t like what they see out of the young guys, maybe Tyson is willing to wait until then for a Steeler potential call.
I forgot about Benton too. ya, we prob don’t need him assuming the guys you listed are serviceable.
could still use some help on the “outside” so wouldn’t call a Wormley addition out of the question
Boy I hop not. There always seems to be one Steeler who I can’t wait to see depart, and it’s been Wormley lately for me.
wormley was forced to play nose tackle. he’s solid depth at 3-4 DE
Mike Tomlin has a knack for getting the most out of everyone who steps onto the field. If Tyson will play a roll, even a niche roll, Tomlin will have him ready to execute.
really?
then why’d they have to trade a 1st round pick for Minkah to save a secondary that was horrendous with “secondary specialist mike tomlin” ?
I’ve yet to see any players in the secondary develop under Tomlin
I guess if that’s true, then I have to question how both Tomlin and Colbert selected players to the roster. Because if he indeed is getting maximum effort from those players then simply put, one would have to fault the scouting process, be it with regards to the draft or free agency
I was talking about the secondary in particular.
but my main complaint is still a team that only shows up for the big games and still chokes against the worst teams on the reg
He seems suited for an in season injury replacement type guy.
Have to think the drafting of Leal last year and Benton this year kind of spells the end to Alualu’s time here
My only disappointment with the Steelers off season has been their failure to get a big stud of a D-lineman and you can only hope Benton is that guy. He has the size and hopefully someone can build on that potential