The Pittsburgh Steelers boosted their linebacker corps in a trade for Jacksonville Jaguars veteran Joe Schobert on Thursday.
NFL Network’s Tom Pelissero reported the news of the Steelers trading for Schobert, and Schobert’s wife, Megan, tweeted, “Yinz are going to love this!!” referencing Steelers fans with a colloquial Pittsburgh term of endearment.
Schobert began his career with the Cleveland Browns and established himself as a solid starter, earning Pro Bowl honors in 2017 during his second season thanks to 144 combined tackles.
The 27-year-old signed a five-year, $53.75 million contract in free agency to join the Jaguars last offseason. Coming off a season in which Jacksonville went 1-15 and changed regimes, it’s hardly a surprise the Jags are moving on.
New head coach Urban Meyer also has a fair amount of say in terms of personnel. Although letting a seasoned pro like Schobert go elsewhere may not seem like the best move right now, it’ll save Jacksonville salary cap space down the line and also help other younger players get playing time.
As for Pittsburgh’s side of the deal, it makes sense to get someone like Schobert who can quickly learn the Steelers’ system and slide in as a starter. Returning to the AFC North will give Schobert two chances per year to stick it to the Browns, and he’s going to one of the best organizations in the NFL to boot.
Pittsburgh expected to have Vince Williams, but he suddenly retired before training camp this year. Schobert will take his spot, and the Steelers will also welcome back Devin Bush after he missed 11 games last season due to injury.
More must-reads: