JACKSONVILLE, Fla. -- Tyson Alualu has not become the kind of player who warranted being selected with the No. 10 pick in the 2010 NFL draft, but he has been a durable, dependable and productive player. That's why the Jacksonville Jaguars re-signed him to a two-year contract on Saturday, which was first reported by ESPN's Adam Schefter.
The 6-foot-3, 295-pound Alualu played defensive tackle in his first three seasons before moving outside to defensive end when Gus Bradley installed his defense upon being hired as head coach in January 2013. Alualu started every game at that spot in 2013 but was moved to a reserve role in 2014 when the team signed free agent Red Bryant. Still, Alualu had a solid season with 30 tackles, five quarterback hurries and two sacks.
One of Alualu's biggest strengths is his durability. He has never missed a game in his five-year career and has 130 tackles and 13 sacks. Those aren't huge numbers but the end spot that Alualu plays is opposite the pass-rushing Leo --the weakside edge player -- and the primary responsibility is setting the edge in the run.
Alualu will be 28 years old when the 2015 season begins, which will make him three years younger than Bryant (31). It wouldn't be a surprise to see Bryant's playing time reduced a bit as a concession to his age and the pounding he has taken in seven seasons -- Bryant played 508 snaps in '14, Alualu played 450 -- and the Jaguars are reportedly interested in adding another defensive end in free agency.
The Jaguars re-signed defensive end Ryan Davis, who was scheduled to become a restricted free agent, on Friday, but the team did not tender offers to restricted free agents Jordan Todman, Fendi Onobun, Will Ta'ufo'ou, Jacques McClendon and Teddy Williams.
With the Alualu signing, linebacker J.T. Thomas remains the other unrestricted free agent the Jaguars had hoped to re-sign before free agency begins.
