PHILADELPHIA -- If you can't beat them, you can surely join them.
At least that could be the case for former Browns linebacker Joe Schobert.
According to multiple reports, the Steelers have a deal to acquire the former Browns star from the Jaguars for a late-round 2022 draft pick.
Trade: The #Jaguars are nearing deal that would send veteran LB Joe Schobert to the #Steelers, as @E_Dilla first said, and confirmed by @PFF_Brad. It’s a return to the AFC North for Schobert who spent just one season in Jacksonville. https://t.co/pvdg66bR4x
— Ari Meirov (@MySportsUpdate) August 12, 2021
The news broke during the Steelers' preseason game Thursday night here against the Eagles.
Schobert's wife, Megan, reacted to the news.
Yinz are going to love this!!
— Megan Schobert (@meganschobert) August 12, 2021
Schobert, an inside linebacker who excels in coverage, signed a 5-year, $53-million contract with the Jaguars last season after spending the first four seasons of his career with the Browns. Schobert received a signing bonus of $12 million from Jacksonville.
He has a base salary of $7 million fully guaranteed in 2021, $8.75 million in 2022, $10.25 million in 2023 and $10.75 million in 2024. He also has some workout bonuses involved in his contract, but the Steelers could release him at any point in his contract and not be on the hook for any significant dead money.
"I'm looking forward to meeting the team and getting to work," Schobert wrote in a text message exchange. "I'm excited to play in this defense."
In 2020, Schobert had 141 tackles, including 84 solo, 2.5 sacks and three interceptions. In his career, Schobert, 28, has nine career interceptions, including a career-high 4 for the Browns in 2019.
The Steelers started Devin Bush and Robert Spillane at inside linebacker in their game against the Eagles, Bush's first game action since tearing his ACL in Week 6 of last season against the Browns.
This is the second year in a row in which the Steelers have traded for an inside linebacker. After losing Bush last season, the team sent a fifth-round draft pick to the Jets for Avery Williamson.
Williamson was not retained after last season, becoming a free agent, while veteran Vince Williams surprisingly retired right before the start of training camp.
Schobert walked on at the University of Wisconsin and played with both T.J. and Derek Watt. He's anxious to reunite with T.J. Watt, who led the NFL in sacks last season.
"Yeah, for sure," Schobert wrote. "He's an animal."
