6 free agents Steelers must sign to replace Tyson Alualu

With the Steelers losing their starting nose tackle against the Raiders, here are six free-agent defensive tackles the Steelers need to bring in to replace him.

The Steelers suffered a major loss along their defensive line in week two when Tyson Alualu injured his ankle and is now reportedly out for the season. In what can only be described as a career resurgence, Alualu has made a successful transition from defensive end to nose tackle in the Steelers scheme.

Last season, he was bullying opposing linemen and was a critical re-signing during the offseason. While nose tackle isn’t the most valuable position anymore, Alualu was an impact player, and he needs to be replaced. Here are six veterans the Steelers should sign to replace Alualu:

Steelers should sign Williams

Now, the Steelers do have two intriguing backups on their roster in Isaiah Buggs and Carlos Davis. Both will likely get some time in place of Alualu. As well, both are young and unproven, so adding a veteran that can take some pressure off of them would help. A low-level option like Xavier Williams would make a lot of sense for them.

The former undrafted player has never developed into a full-time starter, but he has been a great rotational piece along a defensive line. He doesn’t offer much as a pass rusher, as he only has four career sacks, but he can hold down the middle and open lanes for others to get after the quarterback.

Williams is still under 30 as well. He wouldn’t be a flashy addition by any means, but landing an experienced backup like Williams would give this team some more options to replace Alualu going forward.