4 takeaways from Steelers losses early in free agency

Steelers can replace Tyson Alualu easier than you think

I really thought there was a solid chance that the Steelers would be able to retain Tyson Alualu at least for the 2021 season. However, the Jacksonville Jaguars apparently offered more than Pittsburgh was able to hand out at $3 million per season. Alualu proved to be a terrific signing by the Steelers back in 2017, and 2020 was arguably his best season with the team.

Though this loss stings a little bit, don’t make it out to be something bigger than it actually is. Despite his terrific grade from Pro Football Focus last season, Alualu is still just a situational, run-stuffing defensive lineman. He didn’t get an outrageous amount of pressure rushing the quarterback, and his production can easily be replaced (he recorded just 2.0 sacks and 4 tackles for a loss in 15 games).

While the Steelers may not have the answer at nose tackle currently on the roster, there are much bigger fish to fry, and nose tackle is only a part-time role as it is. Alualu was a very solid football player, but it would have been hard to offer him much more than the Jaguars did when he turns 34 in May. He will have a chance to finish his career with the team that drafted him 10th overall all the way back in 2010.