(Photo by Wesley Hitt/Getty Images)
News broke in the first quarter of the Steelers-Eagles preseason game that the Steelers have traded with the Jaguars for inside linebacker Joe Schobert. What the Steelers gave up for Schobert is unclear as of right now. Tom Pelissero of the NFL Network reported the news, but Schobert's wife gave a hint on Twitter that her husband was heading to the Steel City by tweeting, "Yinz are going to love this!!"
Interestingly, the news was announced during the Steelers-Eagles preseason game, as the Steelers' inside linebackers got dominated by the Eagles' tight ends in the first half. Robert Spillane especially struggled in coverage, and Devin Bush even gave up a 34-yard reception.
Schobert, 27, signed a five-year, $53.75 million deal with Jaguars before the 2020 season. He started all 16 games for Jacksonville last season, making 141 tackles with three interceptions and two forced fumbles. He also returned one of his interceptions for a touchdown.
Schobert was a fourth-round pick by the Browns in 2016 and he started 49 games during his tenure in Cleveland. Schobert led the league in tackles in 2017 with 144 when he made his only Pro Bowl.
According to Jeremey Fowler of ESPN, Schobert says from what he understands a trade sending him to Pittsburgh is in the works now. He doesn't have particulars, still processing. "Great place to play behind that D-line," he said.
Fowler notes that Mike Tomlin always has been high on Schobert and his coverage ability
Over the past two seasons, Schobert has recorded seven interceptions, 4.5 sacks and four forced fumbles. Schobert had a career-high four interceptions in 2019 with Cleveland.
Schobert played with both T.J. and Derek Watt at Wisconsin.