Steelers reportedly trade for former Jaguars, Browns ILB Joe Schobert

The Pittsburgh Steelers addressed depth issues at inside linebacker, and they did it with a familiar former Pro Bowler.

The Steelers traded for former Cleveland Browns and Jacksonville Jaguars linebacker Joe Schobert, according to a report from the NFL Network. A message posted Thursday night to the account of Schobert’s wife, Megan, read: “Yinz are going to love this!!”

There was no immediate word on what compensation the Steelers were sending Jacksonville in return for Schobert, who had 64 tackles (36 solo) in eight games against the Steelers – seven while playing for AFC North rival Cleveland from 2016-19.

Coach Mike Tomlin was asked about the Steelers acquiring Schobert after their 24-16 preseason victory against the Philadelphia Eagles on Thursday night.

”I can’t speculate on reports at this time,” Tomlin said. “If there is news, I’m sure I’d be happy to address it when I’m allowed to.”

Yinz are going to love this!!

— Megan Schobert (@meganschobert) August 12, 2021

Schobert led the NFL in tackles and was named to the Pro Bowl for the Browns in 2017, a year after he was a fourth-round pick out of Wisconsin. A starter for three seasons in Cleveland, Schobert was lured to the Jaguars by a five-year, $53.7 million contract last year.

Schobert will make $7 million this season, according to Spotrac.com. But even if his contract says he has three years and 29.75 million remaining for 2022-24, the Steelers could get out of it next offseason by releasing Schobert without having to account for any “dead” cap money.

The #Jaguars have agreed to trade veteran LB Joe Schobert to the #Steelers, source said.

First on the story: @meganschobert, who probably has pretty good sources herself.

— Tom Pelissero (@TomPelissero) August 12, 2021

When veteran Vince Williams retired on the eve of reporting day for training camp last month, it left the Steelers with no proven depth behind starters Devin Bush and Robert Spillane. Spillane perhaps is best used as a No. 3 inside linebacker; the former undrafted free agent got his first regular-season playing time at linebacker last season after Bush underwent season-ending knee surgery.

After Bush and Spillane, all the Steelers had at inside linebacker were rookie fourth-round pick Buddy Johnson, converted safety Marcus Allen, three-year veteran Ulysees Gilbert III and first-year player Tegray Scales.

Word of the trade came out while the Steelers were playing the Eagles.

“I know he’s a phenomenal player,” outside linebacker Melvin Ingram said after the game. “I don’t know whether he’s coming here or not, but he’s a phenomenal player.”

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