Cleveland Browns rumors: Packers targeting free agent Joe Schobert

The six-win Cleveland Browns may be happy to let Joe Schobert walk in free agency, but Aaron Rodgers’ Green Bay Packers are interested in the LB.

Joe Schobert may not be good enough to play for the Cleveland Browns any longer, but the Green Bay Packers, perennial playoff contender, are interested in signing the former Pro Bowler.

The Packers are reportedly determining what it would take to sign Schobert. It’s been speculated that Schobert is looking for the same type of money Shaq Thompson received from the Panthers last December.

Multiple agents confirmed the Packers interest in Schobert, according to PackersNews.com. 

The story, written by Tom Silverstein and Jim Owczarski, contained a paragraph that will make the blood of Browns’ fans boil, since parting ways with Schobert means the Browns will need to find a replacement at inside linebacker.

"“The 6-1, 245-pound Schobert is considered one of the top inside linebackers in a thin class…”"

Considering the Browns’ track record at uncovering talent, I’m SURE they will will be able to replace the team’s leading tackler…no problem at all.  Since you’re reading this and can’t read my voice, yes, that was sarcasm.

In addition to the Packers, the Broncos had been connected to Schobert way back even before the 2019 season ended.

As for releasing Schobert, our own Chad Porto said it pretty well. I chalk it up to analytics. The Wisconsin product was a third-round pick of the Paul DePodesta strategy department that actually hit.

Schobert made the Pro Bowl in year two and while he wasn’t elite, was a very, very good player. Perhaps the Browns are taking the “Moneyball” approach, made famous by DePodesta in MLB, with their linebacker. If they struck gold once, perhaps it will happen again? Considering analytics was the reason the Browns passed on Carson Wentz to select Corey Coleman…I’ll hold my breath.

The Browns are rumored to be using the money they saved by letting Schobert on the offensive line, a part of the team they reportedly want to invest heavily in.

As for the linebacking corps, the position was already weak, but now there’s glaring holes to fill. Mack Wilson showed some flashes in his rookie year, but he’s not a sure thing in year two. Sione Tackitacki, taken ahead of Wilson in the 2018 draft, would have to make major strides to become a starter next season.

Plus, the Browns have to make a call on Christian Kirksey. He’s been severely injured the past two years, and is due to earn to make $7.75 million this season. Perhaps Kirksey, who is a great presence in the locker room, makes the team and collects is nice day because there’s no one else.

DePodesta is the head of the strategy department, hopefully we’ll be closed in to what his master plan is when free agency commences March 18.