The Pittsburgh Steelers signed Tyson Alualu to a two-year contract, which could mean the end of the road for two veterans.
The 10-years vet has earned his place in the rotation in Pittsburgh since joining the two two season ago. A quality backup, Tyson Alualu has been used to play nose tackle and defensive end for the Steelers. On Friday, the former first-round pick was inked for two more seasons.
While this is good news for Alualu, it could be two defensive line veterans are on their way out of Pittsburgh. Daniel McCullers signed a one-year deal last offseason, trying to revamp his career before it was too late. He played well in 16 games and some believed the team would bring him back for another contract.
This may not be the case anymore. Pittsburgh may be looking to use a draft pick on a young nose tackle or sign a backup in free agency. Either way, him not getting a contract before Alualu may be a bad sign for the four-year veteran.
Then, there’s LT Walton. Walton’s potential seemed much higher four years ago then it is today. Many expected Walton to eventually compete for the starting job, but as time went on, those expectations vanished and Walton become a steady reserve player.
Walton wasn’t looking to stay with the team moving forward anyways but this is a clear sign his time in done. If the Steelers want another reserve nose tackle, they’ll take to the draft and spend less money securing one.
Neither is a player that’s irreplaceable between free agency and the 2019 NFL Draft. Backup defensive linemen are everywhere, use Alualu as an example. No one thought a former top-ten pick would become the Steelers backup defensive end, but it happened and chances are he’s set to finish his career in Pittsburgh.
The Steelers will find another McCullers before camp, but expect Alualu to earn more playing time without these two veterans around in 2019.