Tyson Alualu, 36, is another seasoned defensive lineman that the Detroit Lions added, this time to the interior of the defensive line. However, there are likely Lions supporters who would have rather seen the team sign free agent Ndamukong Suh.
On December 6, Lions head coach Dan Campbell spoke with reporters about the possibility of signing Suh.
Campbell informed the media, “Yeah, listen, Brad’s [Holmes] looked at all of it.” We haven’t failed to notice anyone.
We gave each person a quick glance. We believe that the choice we made at this time was the right one for us.
In 2010, the Lions selected Suh, who will turn 37 in January, with the second overall pick. Suh was a four-time Pro Bowler and three-time first-team All-Pro during his five seasons with the Lions.
He appeared in eight games for the Philadelphia Eagles the previous season and recorded 10 total tackles, two quarterback hits, and one sack.
McNeill recorded 3 sacks, 9 tackles for loss, and 10 quarterback hits in 34 games during his first two seasons combined.
It will be difficult to replace Mac for these four weeks as he has been a dependable, consistent, and effective player for us. This year, he’s truly come into his own,” Campbell said to reporters on December 6. “Every year, he just gets bigger, but this year, he was really big.” He was indispensable to us.
“Well, that hurts, but this train moves on nonetheless.”
It is possible that the train will continue with Alualu filling in for McNeill.
Similar to how the Lions handled Irvin, who recently made his team debut in Week 13, Campbell explained that Alualu will be working with the practice squad to get back into football shape. They will then decide whether to activate Alualu for a game in a few weeks.
He offers the floor. About Alualu, Campbell said, “He brings stability.” We find solace in the fact that you can pretty much anticipate what will happen to you.
“He’s got a little versatility to him. There again, he’s an addition to the roster. Once we get him to where we feel like ‘All right, he’s in game shape or he’s ready to do that,’ then we’ll make a decision. Let’s see if he can help us.”
In Week 14 against the Chicago Bears, Levi Onwuzurike, Isaiah Buggs and Brodric Martin are expected to see more playing time in McNeill’s absence.
Could the Lions Sign DT Ndamukong Suh?
Campbell didn’t necessary quash rumors about the Lions signing Suh. But he made it clear that the team considered Alualu the best free agent option.
Unless the Lions sustain another injury at defensive tackle, it seems unlikely they will add Suh on top of Alualu.
Detroit now has two 36-year-old defensive linemen, so signing a third veteran at that age probably won’t be considered unless it’s absolutely necessary.
In five seasons with the Lions, Suh posted 36 sacks, 66 tackles for loss and 98 quarterback hits. He also had 15 pass defenses and 2 forced fumbles in 78 games.
For now, Lions fans will have to continue remembering those memories fondly rather than see Suh back in the blue and silver.
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