4 free agents Steelers have to re-sign no matter the cost

Tyson Alualu

The first two players on this list should be relatively easy returns given their likely contracts. The next two are a little more in question. Tyson Alualu had a breakout season despite his age and lack of a true role on defense. The Steelers moved him to nose tackle out of desperation, but the move paid off handsomely. Alualu had his best season as a pro in 2020, and the potential of him leaving would put a huge hole in the defense.

The issue is his value is up in the air right now. His great play would in theory earn him a decent payday, but he will be 34 this upcoming season and he doesn’t have a great history of dominant seasons. Given his good play, it is doubtful that he takes a minimum contract, but what could work is the newer veteran minimum contracts that allow a vested player to earn more money but only count as a minimum salary cap hit.

Even more likely, the Steelers could sign him for a two-year deal in order to lower his first-year cap hit. If he balls out again, the team can keep him around for one more year, and if not, he becomes a cap casualty or a retirement next year. Either way, the team can’t afford to lose Alualu this season. He is pivotal to this defensive line and there is no clear option to replace him. Assuming they can make his cap hit work, Alualu is a must re-sign.