Report: Steelers to Release Linebacker Joe Schobert

The Steelers are set to release 2021 starting linebacker Joe Schobert according to a report by Gerry Dulac of the Pittsburgh Post-Gazette.

The Steelers signed former Jaguars linebacker Myles Jack to a 2-year, $16 million contract on Wednesday. If Schobert is released, the Steelers would save about $7 million on the cap by releasing him. Currently, Schobert counts around $9 million on the cap for Pittsburgh.

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. If released, the Steelers will have to absorb a $1.888 million dead charge on their salary cap.

With that in mind, the Steelers could still use an inside linebacker. Jack will help out with coverage and athleticism. However, Pittsburgh still lacks quality depth, especially if Schobert is released. Bush will have the onus placed upon him in a critical fourth year, and Pittsburgh may look to add a rookie to this field.