Tyson Alualu changes mind, elects to return to Steelers on 2-year contract

The Pittsburgh Steelers’ new nose tackle is their old nose tackle.

After having a change of heart, Tyson Alualu is returning to the organization where he spent the past four seasons.

NFL Network reported Saturday night that Alualu, who agreed to terms on a two-year, $6 million contract with the Jacksonville Jaguars 11 days ago, reconsidered his decision and is returning to the Steelers on a two-year deal. Teammates confirmed the news on social media.

“My brotha is coming back!!!” wrote defensive tackle Cameron Heyward.

“Just talked to TYSON!!!!! He’s back!!!!!” wrote cornerback Joe Haden.

Alualu, who will turn 34 in May, left the Jaguars after seven seasons to sign with the Steelers before the 2017 season. He signed another two-year deal in 2019 and became a free agent again this offseason.

On March 16, Alualu agreed to return to Jackonsville, which took him with the No. 10 overall pick in 2010. NFL Network reported that Alualu contracted covid-19 in the interim and decided he wanted to return to Pittsburgh, where he had built his “dream house.”

Alualu was a valuable role player on the defensive line in his first three seasons with the Steelers, and he moved to nose tackle last year after Javon Hargrave joined the Philadelphia Eagles in free agency. Alualu started 10 of 15 games — he missed one with a knee injury — and he finished with two sacks, five quarterback hits and 38 tackles.

The Steelers made one move to address their defensive line depth in free agency, bringing back Chris Wormley on a two-year contract. Second-year player Carlos Davis and third-year player Isaiah Buggs were expected to compete at the nose tackle job until Alualu’s change of heart.