The future of linebacker Joe Schobert was murky at best. Now with a new general manager and head coach on the horizon, will he stay in Cleveland?
This is a situation that could be handled differently with a new regime in charge. There was no contact between Joe Schobert and the Cleveland Browns.
Perhaps with John Dorsey and Freddie Kitchens out the door, things may work out differently.
The Browns defense is simply better with Joe Schobert on the field. Analytical people like Schobert. Football people like Schobert. For some reason, there is a group of fans who don’t and act like he is Ben Taylor.
Schobert finished the 2019 season 10th in tackles with 133. Schobert was tied for the league lead in 2017 with 144 tackles. In addition to his high volume of tackles, Schobert is also excellent in coverage. Pro Football Focus praises the coverage ability of Schobert.
What it comes down to is the new coach and general manager valuing Joe Schobert. For some bizarre reason the previous one didn’t. Even though analytical and traditional football minds are able to see that he is one of the better members of the Browns defense.
Schobert has said he wants to stay in Cleveland. The Browns need good defensive playmakers. This match just makes so much sense. If Cleveland lets him walk in free agency there will be a large hole to fill on the defense. Trying to replace a linebacker in addition to multiple offensive lineman is a lot to ask for just one offseason.
The solution that makes the most sense and is easy to accomplish is right in front of them. Re-sign Joe Schobert and work on upgrading the rest of the roster.
