Part three of our 90-part series— yes, 90 parts, assuming the roster does not change before we are complete— will break down each player of the Steelers current 90-man roster in alphabetical order. This series will encompass many aspects of each players game and their current role with the team. At the end, I’ll give some projected stats as well as their chances to make the 53-man roster.

Next up on our list is the big Hawaiian defensive-tackle:

Tyson Alualu

Position: DT
Height: 6’ 3”
Weight: 304 lbs
College: California
Draft: 1st round pick 10th overall in 2010 (Jaguars)

2019 stats

16 Games played
41 Tackles
1 Sack
4 TFLs
1 Forced Fumble
2 Pass Defensed

Contract remaining

Expires in 2020

$3,625,000 cap total (1.8% of total cap)
$875,000 dead money
$2,750,000 cap savings if cut

Likelihood of making the roster

Lock. The loss of Javon Hargrave due to free agency and the addition of Chris Wormley is a wash. I fully expect Alualu to provide quality veteran depth on the defensive-line for another year.

2020 projection

Cam Heyward, and Stephon Tuitt will reprise their roles starting in the 3-4 defensive end spots with Alualu, Wormley, and Isaiah Buggs featuring in some sort of replacement/extra down lineman type role. Alualu has proved time and time again that he can start in a pinch and although we all hope it doesn’t have to come to that I don’t lose any sleep with Alualu in the starting lineup.

Projected stats:

16 Games played
2 Starts
30 Tackles
2 Sacks
1 Forced fumble
1 Pass defensed

Summary

Believe it or not this will be Alualu’s 11th year in the NFL and 4th with the Steelers. There is a real chance with his contract expiring, 2020 could also be his last in the NFL. Alualu will turn 34 before the start of the 2021 season. On the flip side, if he wants to continue his NFL journey with the Steelers organization he has more than earned another season In Pittsburgh.

Previously Highlighted

Ola Adeniyi
Marcus Allen