The Steelers used free agency again to add more depth to their defense when they signed defensive end Tyson Alualu Tuesday to a two-year contract.
Alualu, who turns 30 in May, will essentially serve as the No. 3 at the position behind starters Cam Heyward and Stephon Tuitt.
His signing comes a day after the Steelers signed two other free agents, halfback Knile Davis and cornerback Coty Sensabaugh, both ticketed for backup jobs.
The durable Alualu was drafted 10th overall by Jacksonville in 2010 after playing for California and spent his entire seven-year career with the Jaguars. He became a starting defensive tackle immediately and did not miss a start in his first four seasons. He did not start any of the 16 games he played in 2014 before reclaiming his starting job in 2015.
“I had some tough times in Jacksonville and wanted a good change and I’m excited to be here,” said Alualu, who did not play for a winning team in his seven seasons with the Jaguars.
He can play all three positions in the Steelers three-man line.
“My strengths are versatility, of being able to play inside and outside,” Alualu said.
He has missed just two games in his seven years, both last season, when he started 10 times. He has 88 starts in 110 games in his career. He has 17.5 career sacks, 2.5 last season.
Alualu will essentially replace Ricardo Mathews, who served as the Steelers’ No. 3 defensive end last season after signing a one-year contract as a free agent from San Diego. Mathews started five games after Heyward was injured and is an unrestricted free agent not expected to return.
“They have some great players up front already,” Alualu said. “Whatever they ask me to do, I’ll do it. You just come in and work your butt of and see how things work out.”
The Steelers also have L.T. Walton, a sixth-round pick in 2015, at the position. He started four games and played in all 16 last season.
Ed Bouchette: ebouchette@post-gazette.com
First Published: March 21, 2017, 5:15 p.m.
