We heard about a month ago that the Browns had discussed an extension with linebacker Joe Schobert, but it doesn’t sound like there’s been much progress. Cleveland has “made little effort” to extend him and they “are willing to let him walk in free agency,” a source told Mary Kay Cabot of Cleveland.com.
Schobert said last month that his agent had conversations with the front office about a new deal, but Cabot reports that the two sides haven’t spoken in months and that when the subject was briefly discussed, it “was evident the franchise was not serious about re-signing him at that time.” That might rankle some Browns fans, as Schobert has been having a great season. Kay Cabot also writes that the figures that were discussed wouldn’t have even made Schobert the highest-paid linebacker on the team, a distinction currently held by Christian Kirksey and his $9.5MM average salary.
Schobert, a 2017 Pro Bowler, has the seventh-most tackles in the league this year. He also has two sacks, two forced fumbles, four interceptions, and nine passes defended. The Wisconsin product was originally drafted by the Browns in the fourth round back in 2016. He played a part-time role as a rookie before becoming a starter in his second season. He’s now playing out the final year of his rookie deal, and if the Browns don’t retain him he should have no shortage of suitors on the open market.
According to Kay Cabot Schobert recently acknowledged he might not get to stay a Brown, but said “in my perfect world, yeah, I’d be in Cleveland.” The Browns have obviously been having a disappointing season, and they could look to make major changes this spring. It’ll be very interesting to see what ends up happening with Schobert.
Stupid if true.
Totally agree – they should resign him. A great player in and off the field. Maybe OBJ can look up to him.
Headass
Faceass
Packers!
Packers will let Martinez walk and make a run at Schobert. Match made in heaven.
Doesn’t Martinez lead the league in tackles?
He leads the Packers. But he is very marginal.
Cut kirksey and sign joe he’s better
This is why the Browns and the Browns. They always let solid players walk, like Alex Mack, Joe Haden, Phil Dawson, D’qwell Jackson and on and on, yet they will pay big money to guys like Baker Mayfield/Manziel, OBJ, and Myles Smollett.
Total clown franchise and nothing will ever change.
They cut Manziel after 2 years. God forbid they actually try to win and trade for OBJ. For all the talk about a down year he will still hit 1k yards. Dorsey is a very good GM and is turning them around.
Wow, you must be a half glass full guy.
The silver lining to this is that Mary Kay is reporting it. That means there’s still a chance.
But if it’s true, it’s just ridiculous. He’s been by FAR the best player on that defense this year. Cut Kirksey to save some cap room, and then pay Schobert.
Or trade OBJ, and they’ll be plenty more. But agree on Kirksey, too.
If Schobert is good now he could easily add a few more Pro Bowls to his resume if he were on a team that has a strong rep for developing linebackers.
To anyone who wonders why the Cleveland Browns are a joke of a franchise just read this article and you will have all the answers you need.