Cleveland Browns: Former fan-favorite Joe Schobert traded to rival Steelers
The Cleveland Browns didn’t re-sign Joe Schobert in 2020 and now they will face him twice per season as he was traded to the hated Steelers
Joe Schobert is coming home to the AFC North, but to the Pittsburgh Steelers — but not the Cleveland Browns.
In a move that was seemingly first reported by Schobert’s wife, Megan, Schobert will be on the move to the Steel City.
NFL Network’s Tom Pelissero confirmed the report that the Jacksonville Jaguars are sending Schobert to the Steelers.
The #Jaguars have agreed to trade veteran LB Joe Schobert to the #Steelers, source said.
— Tom Pelissero (@TomPelissero) August 12, 2021
First on the story: @meganschobert, who probably has pretty good sources herself.
Schobert was drafted in the fourth round of the 2016 NFL Draft out of Wisconsin by the Browns. He would spend his first four seasons in Cleveland.
During this four-year run, Schobert was solid. In 61 games in Brown and Orange, Schobert compiled 8.5 sacks, 408 combined tackles (15 for loss), six interceptions, 20 passes defensed, seven forced fumbles, and three fumble recoveries.
In 2017, Schobert made the Pro Bowl for the only time in his career. He had 144 combined tackles, four for a loss, three sacks, three forced fumbles, six quarterback hits, and an interception.
After his rookie four-year deal expired, the Browns let him hit the open market, where he signed a five-year, $53.75 million contract with the Jaguars. That’s a lot of money for a linebacker, who is solid at best, but good on him for getting that deal reached.
In his only season with the Jags, Schobert started in all 16 games, racking up 141 tackles, three interceptions, two forced fumbles, and 2.5 sacks.
Schobert said of Pittsburgh “It’s a great place to play behind that D-line.”
Schobert will now face the team that drafted him twice a year with the first matchup on Halloween in Cleveland. The Browns defeated the Jaguars last season 27-25, so barring injury, Schobert will play against his former team three times in two seasons.
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Ironically, Cleveland is traveling to Jacksonville to take on Schobert’s now-former team for both team’s first preseason game of the season on Saturday evening.