Browns: Former Cleveland Pro Bowler will be a haunting presence

Joe Schobert is coming back to the AFC North.

Joe Schobert left the Cleveland Browns over a handful of millions over a year ago. The former Pro Bowl linebacker left the team in the 2020 offseason to join up with the Jacksonville Jaguars, and the Jags saw him play very well in his only season there. The problem with the team’s defense that year was that the rest of the defense ended up being among the worst in the league; the 31st worst defense, with no other playmakers on defense to really speak of.

Schobert had his fourth-straight 100+ tackle season with the Jaguars, recording 141 combined tackles (84 solo), as well as 2.5 sacks, and being a force in the passing game; causing four pass deflections, and snatching three interceptions. While the Jags weren’t a great defense, Schobert really showcased his worth, but with a new coach and a new direction, the Jags were in a dealing mood.

The Steelers acquired Schobert for a late-round pick on Thursday, bringing the one-time Browns’ Pro Bowler back to the AFC North. He’ll play alongside another former Cleveland Pro Bowler in Joe Haden.

Joe Schobert’s AFC North return may be a haunting experience for the Browns

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The Browns let Schobert go because he got too expensive, not because they didn’t want him. His return to the division may end up being a haunting experience if he fits in with the Pittsburgh Steelers. The Steelers are down several linebackers, making the need to acquire Schobert a pressing one, and since he’s been known for his stellar play against the pass, that means that Cleveland’s quarterback Baker Mayfield will have to deal with a ghost from the past far more often than he would’ve liked.

The Browns have yet to really recover since losing him, trotting out rookies, second-year players, and cheap free agents to try and cement the linebacking position, so far, to little result.

With his ability to play against the pass, and his dogged nature chasing down runners, the Browns are not going to be in store for an easy time when they play the Steelers. Assuming none of their other big defensive names are on the sidelines.

Schobert already faced off with his former team in the 2020 regular season when Jacksonville took on Cleveland in a messy affair. Hampered by the elements, Cleveland was able to eke out a 27-25 win.