JACKSONVILLE, Fla. – Former Jaguars first-round pick Tyson Alualu's time in Jacksonville has ended as the defensive lineman has signed a free agent contract with the Pittsburgh Steelers.
Alualu posted on his Facebook page:
"To the city and organization that allowed me to live out my lifelong dream, words can't express how grateful I will always be for my time spent in black & teal. I am truly thankful to the Owners both past and present, GM's past and present, coaches, fans and I'm especially grateful for the brotherhood I was blessed to be a part throughout the years. Jag fans welcomed me with open arms & hearts...and for that, Jax will always have a special place in my family's heart.
"God bless, and I love you Jax."
Alualu was the 10th pick of the 2010 draft, at the time a surprising spot for him to be drafted. While Alualu never developed into the impact pass rusher that the Jaguars hoped, he was a reliable and dependable player who recorded 17.5 sacks and three fumble recoveries in his seven seasons with the Jaguars, only missing two games in his NFL career, both in 2016 when he missed the first two games of the season
Alualu signed a two-year contract to stay in Jacksonville before the 2015 season. He recorded 4.5 sacks in the two years following the contract and also played as the Jaguars fullback. In 2015, he caught two passes from that position and ran the ball once for no gain.
In Pittsburgh, Alualu figures to play as a defensive end in the Steelers 3-4 defense.