The Steelers continued their active week in free agency when they signed defensive lineman Tyson Alualu to a two-year contract.
Check out photos of the Steelers new DE Tyson Alualu. Photos by AP.
Alualu said he felt good about the team from the minute he arrived at the UPMC Rooney Sports Complex.
"As soon as you walk in the building you get a sense from talking to the people, it's real genuine," said Alualu. "Just a place that loves to win, so I would love to be a part of that. Just excited about this opportunity.
"I don't think I could have left without signing a deal here, just wanting to be a part of something special. I am thankful to the Rooneys, Coach (Mike) Tomlin, Mr. (Kevin) Colbert. Taking a chance with me and giving me the opportunity to be a part of something special. I am thankful to be here. I had some tough years in Jacksonville. I just wanted a good change. I am excited to be here."
Alualu was selected by the Jacksonville Jaguars in first round of the 2010 NFL Draft, the 10th pick overall. He spent the last seven seasons with the Jaguars, seeing action in 110 games, starting 88, and was inactive for only two games in his career.
He brings versatility to the defensive line, with experience starting at both tackle and end, but seeing more action at end in 2016.
"That has been a part of my strength, the versatility of being able to play inside and outside," said Alualu. "Whatever the coaches want me to play, whatever position, I am just willing to play anything to help out, help this team. They are so close to always being in the Super Bowl. I just want to be a part of that.
Alualu finished the 2016 season with 37 tackles, 2.5 sacks and one forced fumble. For his career he has 258 tackles, 17.5 sacks, six passes defensed, and two forced fumbles.
And don't rule him out as a weapon on offense, kind of. Alualu caught two passes for 19 yards, including a 16-yarder for a first down, and has one carry for no yards.
