4 free agent defensive tackles the Steelers should call right away

The Pittsburgh Steelers could be without Tyson Alualu for several games. Here are four defensive tackles they should call right away.

Tyson Alualu was one of the biggest surprises on the Steelers this year. Despite being a 33-year-old veteran who has already played more than a decade in the league, the big defensive tackle (by all accounts) has remarkably been an upgrade over Javon Hargrave over nearly the first half of the 2020 season.

Unfortunately, Alualu injured his knee on what appeared to be a cut-block by the Baltimore Ravens in Week 8, and he could miss several games. While second-year player Isaiah Buggs combined for 5 tackles in the remainder of the Week 8 contest after Alualu left the game, Buggs was constantly bullied against the run and was largely responsible for the Steelers surrendering 265 yards on the ground on 5.6 yards per carry.

In the NFL, we don’t want to leave anything to chance – especially when this team has a chance to finish with the top record in the AFC (and perhaps the NFL) this year. While Alualu may only miss a few games, the Steelers need to make sure they are taking care of business – particularly against the run – in his absence.

Even upon Alualu’s return to the field, it would be in Pittsburgh’s best interest to have a player they can count on to plug up the middle of the field if he were to go down again. With that being said, here are four players the Pittsburgh Steelers should consider signing right away to help in the middle of their defense line: