The Pittsburgh Steelers were hit and miss in 2017 offseason transactions

PITTSBURGH, PA - JANUARY 14: Joe Haden #21 of the Pittsburgh Steelers tips a pass intended for Marqise Lee #11 of the Jacksonville Jaguars during the first half of the AFC Divisional Playoff game at Heinz Field on January 14, 2018 in Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania. (Photo by Rob Carr/Getty Images)
PITTSBURGH, PA - JANUARY 14: Joe Haden #21 of the Pittsburgh Steelers tips a pass intended for Marqise Lee #11 of the Jacksonville Jaguars during the first half of the AFC Divisional Playoff game at Heinz Field on January 14, 2018 in Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania. (Photo by Rob Carr/Getty Images)
3 of 9
CHICAGO, IL – SEPTEMBER 24: Tyson Alualu #94 of the Pittsburgh Steelers rushes against Bobby Massie #70 of the Chicago Bears at Soldier Field on September 24, 2017 in Chicago, Illinois. The Bears defeated the Steelers 23-17 in overtime. (Photo by Jonathan Daniel/Getty Images)
CHICAGO, IL – SEPTEMBER 24: Tyson Alualu #94 of the Pittsburgh Steelers rushes against Bobby Massie #70 of the Chicago Bears at Soldier Field on September 24, 2017 in Chicago, Illinois. The Bears defeated the Steelers 23-17 in overtime. (Photo by Jonathan Daniel/Getty Images)

Tyson Alualu

Tyson Alualu was a huge pickup for Pittsburgh last offseason, and he proved himself every penny worthy in 2017. Maybe his days of starting 10-plus games a season are over. With the hype coming out of Cal, some would say he’s a bust, but he’s certainly reconstructing his career as a hell of a fourth-man.

His 39 tackles and four sacks through 16 games and five starts was exactly what the Steelers needed from him. When Stephon Tuitt went down early in the season, Alualu provided consistent and reliable play every game.

For 2yrs/$6 million, the Steelers got an impactful backup defensive linemen who can step in at any position. Not a bad move. With one year left on his contract, Alualu has potential to receive a few contract offers next offseason, some with starter potential. When that happens, it’ll be on his hands what role he’s looking to continue his career as.

Schedule