How will Pittsburgh Steelers use LB Joe Schobert in 2021?

The Pittsburgh Steelers recently traded with the Jaguars for linebacker Joe Schobert. Here’s how he could be used in 2021. 

Just hours after writing a pair of articles on replacing Robert Spillane and linebackers Steelers could trade for, Pittsburgh reportedly executed a trade with the Jacksonville Jaguars for former Pro Bowl linebacker Joe Schobert. This couldn’t have come at a better time.

All summer, Pittsburgh’s linebackers have struggled against running backs and tight ends at training camp, and that carried over into the preseason as well. Both against the Cowboys and the Eagles, the middle of the field is basically uncovered at times as quarterbacks continue to pick up chunk yardage over the middle on with Steelers linebackers defending.

Early in the game against the Eagles, Devin Bush allowed a 34-yards catch and run to Dallas Goedert, and Spillane struggled in this area as well. Observing Spillane at training camp, it was clear to see that the unathletic linebacker really struggles in this area of the game, as he was routinely torched by faster players in coverage.

Now the Steelers are hoping to have an answer for their struggles over the middle of the field. Joe Schobert hasn’t graded out particularly well over the past two seasons, but he has still been remarkably productive – recording 274 tackles, 13 tackles for a loss, and a whopping 7 interceptions since 2019, according to Pro Football Reference.

How will the Steelers use Joe Schobert?

Now that it appears Schobert is set to join the team, how does Pittsburgh intend to use him. If you are under the assumption that Schobert will be part of a linebacker rotation, you may want to guess again.

The veteran linebacker and former 2017 Pro Bowler has a sizeable contract that extends through the 2024 season. While Pittsburgh may have stolen Schobert for late-round draft compensation, they will be forced to take on the remainder of a 5-year, $53 million contract he signed just last year. Though some of this money has already been paid (and the Steelers may have asked Jacksonville to take on even more), Schobert doesn’t come cheap.

Because of this, you can take it to the bank that he will have a very big role with the Steelers. Though Robert Spillane was set to be the starter this year, Schobert is very likely to take his place as the starting ‘Buck’ linebacker in Pittsburgh’s 3-4 scheme – a role that was previously occupied by Vince Williams.

Over the years. Schobert has proven to be a versatile player who can defend the run as well as make plays in the passing game. While he hasn’t graded out as well since joining the Jaguars, there’s a chance he could return to Pro Bowl form now that he is on a very good defense.

What’s most interesting about this move is that the Steelers add another defensive playmaker to their arsenal. Schobert has 9 interceptions since becoming a starter four years ago and 7 over the past two seasons. We are obviously hoping that part of his game will continue in Pittsburgh.

As far as Pittsburgh’s inside linebacker situation goes, you can expect a very heavy dose of both Devin Bush and Joe Schobert this year, as Spillane will likely take a backseat as a situational/reserve linebacker.

This addition also means that Ulysees Gilbert and Marcus Allen are no longer locks to make the team, and one of them could be back on the practice squad if the Steelers elect to keep the same number of linebackers they had last year. Buddy Johnson’s job is safe as the team’s fourth-round pick this year.

It will be interesting to see what Joe Schobert has to offer this team in 2021 and beyond. At 27 years old, Schobert should have plenty left in the tank and Pittsburgh is no doubt hoping he can return to Pro Bowl form.