You can add nose tackle to the list of Steelers offseason needs.
According to reports, Tyson Alualu is heading back to Jacksonville, where he was drafted in the first round of the 2010 NFL Draft.
ESPN’s Jeremy Fowler reports the deal is for $6 million over two years.
Alualu started as a key reserve for the Steelers and for part of this season was an impact defensive tackle after the loss of Javon Hargrave in free agency.
Alualu started 10 games, finishing with 38 tackles, four tackles for loss, five QB hits, five passes defended and a couple of sacks.
The stats waned at times as the 33-year-old battled an ankle injury for much of the season. He is the epitome of a team player, a guy who comes in and does his job with no drama.
Alualu signed for $2.85 million last season, and the organization likely thought he was a lock to resign, but couldn’t match the money Jacksonville offered.
Steelers do have a couple of younger, cheaper options in seventh round pick and rookie Carlos Davis along with 2019 sixth round pick Isaiah Buggs.