Report: Former Steelers ILB Joe Schobert Visits New Orleans Saints

Former Pittsburgh Steelers linebacker Joe Schobert is taking a free agent visit with the New Orleans Saints, according to a report by Nick Underhill of New Orleans Football Network.

Schobert was released by the Steelers in March after one season with the team. The Steelers traded for Schobert in August for a sixth-round pick from the Jacksonville Jaguars. Schobert has made previous stops in both Jacksonville and Cleveland before landing with Pittsburgh last season.

He started all 15 games alongside Devin Bush in 2021. Schobert racked up 112 tackles along with a forced fumble, interception, and two tackles for loss for Pittsburgh in 2021. It was Schobert’s least productive season as a full-time starter.

The Steelers signed fellow former Jaguars linebacker Myles Jack to a 2-year, $16 million contract before releasing Schobert. The team saved about $7 million on the 2022 salary cap by cutting him, but absorbed a $1.88 million dead cap hit.

Jack and former first-round pick Devin Bush are expected to start at inside linebacker for the Steelers this season, with Robert Spillane, Marcus Allen, Ulysees Gilbert III, Buddy Johnson and sixth-round rookie Mark Robinson providing depth.

Schobert is one of a number of 2021 Steelers players that have not yet found work for the 2022 season. Cornerback Joe Haden, tight end Eric Ebron, tackle Zach Banner and running back Kalen Ballage all also remain free agents. Offensive lineman B.J. Finney chose to retire for medical reasons.