Yahoo Finance Jaguars shell out $53 million for Browns linebacker Joe Schobert
The Jacksonville Jaguars are spending a lot of money to shore up their defense. The team is expected to sign former Cleveland Browns linebacker Joe Schobert to a five-year, $53.75 million deal, according to Ian Rapoport of NFL Network.
Schobert, 26, will receive a $12 million signing bonus and $22.5 million guaranteed from the Jaguars.
Former #Browns LB Joe Schobert is headed to the #Jaguars on a 5-year, $53.75M deal, source said. He gets an average of $10.75M per year. $12M to sign and $22.5M guaranteed. A new face on that Jax defense.
— Ian Rapoport (@RapSheet) March 17, 2020
It’s a bold bet on Schobert, who racked up 133 tackles for the Browns last season.
Is Joe Schobert worth the $53 million the Jags are paying him?
Schobert — who was selected in the fourth round of the 2016 NFL draft — has shown signs of excellence during his career. He was selected to the Pro Bowl during his sophomore season after leading the NFL with 144 tackles. While he hasn’t reached those heights again, Schobert came close last season. On top of his 133 tackles, Schobert contributed four interceptions and nine passes defended.
He’s not the type of player who’s going to get to the quarterback often. Schobert has put up just 8.5 sacks and 19 quarterback hits in four seasons. Pro Football Focus gave Schobert a 59.1 player grade in 2019.
The Jaguars need help on defense
While you can debate about whether Schobert is overpaid, you can’t deny the Jaguars needed help on defense. The team ranked 24th in yards allowed per game, and 21st in points allowed per game (24.8).
The team’s most productive linebacker was Myles Jack, who put up 66 tackles in 11 games last season. Jack received a 46.1 player grade from PFF in 2019. The Jaguars could use someone to clog up the middle of the field and make tackles.
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