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According to NewOrleans.Football’s Nick Underhill, veteran LB Joe Schobert is visiting the New Orleans Saints. Schobert, 28, played for the Pittsburgh Steelers in 2021. In six NFL seasons, Schobert has 661 total tackles, including 23 for losses, along with 11 sacks, 10 interceptions and 10 forced fumbles.
11/26/2017; Cleveland Browns middle linebacker Joe Schobert (53) against the Cincinnati Bengals. Mandatory Credit: Aaron Doster-USA TODAY
A fourth-round pick for the Cleveland Browns in the 2016 NFL Draft from Wisconsin, Schobert spent the first four years of his career with Cleveland. He led the NFL in 2017 with 144 tackles and earned him a Pro Bowl berth.
Schobert averaged 127 tackles between 2017 and 2019 and twice led the Browns in that category. He also had 8.5 sacks and 6 interceptions for Cleveland, including a career-high 4 picks in 2019.
In 2020, Schobert signed a lucrative free-agent deal with the Jacksonville Jaguars. He led Jacksonville with 141 tackles, six for losses, while intercepting 3 passes, forcing two fumbles and recording 2.5 sacks. Just one season into his five-year contract, the Jaguars traded him to the Pittsburgh Steelers.
Schobert finished second with the Steelers last season with 112 tackles. He added an interception, abandoned six passes and forced a fumble. Pittsburgh fired him earlier this offseason after signing free agent LB Myles Jack.
The Saints have All-Pro Demario Davis and promising sophomore LB Pete Werner on the position but questionable depth. Kaden Elliss, LB fourth-year, is reliable against the run but struggles with coverage.
New Orleans also drafted Appalachian State LB D’Marco Jackson in the fifth round, adding Eric Wilson as free agency. Sports veteran Kwon Alexander, who has had a strong presence in defense for the past two years, remains without a contract.
09/19/2021; Pittsburgh Steelers middle linebacker Joe Schobert (93) against the Las Vegas Raiders. Mandatory Credit: Charles LeClaire-USA TODAY Sports
The 6’1” and 240-pound. Schobert is most effective as a middle linebacker or on the strong side. Despite his interceptions, he is a liability in news coverage and fights in space. As a tackle machine, Schobert is a force near the line of scrimmage and moves decisively in the tackle box.
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Unlike Kwon Alexander, Joe Schobert was not used much in reporting, especially man-to-man. If signed, he would likely take on middle linebacker or strong side duties, allowing the Saints to use Davis and Werner more in space.
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