In need of depth at the position, the Broncos are bringing in some experience to their inside linebacking corps. The team is signing veteran Joe Schobert, reports NFL Network’s Ian Rapoport (Twitter link). 
During the team’s first preseason game this weekend, Jonas Griffith suffered a dislocated elbow. As a result, he is expected to be sidelined for four to six weeks, making it likely that he will miss at least a few games to start the regular season. As a projected starter, his absence necessitated a move such as this one.
Schobert, 28, spent the first four seasons of his career in Cleveland. In his second campaign with the team, he led the league in tackles with 144. He remained a full-time starter throughout his tenure, but departed for Jacksonville in free agency on a five-year, $53.75MM deal.
After just one season, the former fourth-rounder found himself on the move again, as the Jaguars traded him to the Steelers last August. In his first (and only) year in Pittsburgh, Schobert started 15 contests and racked up 112 total tackles. As a key member of the league’s worst run defense, though, the Steelers cut him at the start of free agency. That left Schobert on the market until now.
A visit with the Saints pointed to a potential deal, given the team’s need in the middle of their defense. Instead, Schobert worked out for the Broncos last month, showing their interest in him even before the Griffith injury. Especially while the latter is sidelined, Schobert could see significant playing time behind Josey Jewell and, in all likelihood, Alex Singleton, who was the team’s best in-house option to step into a starting role.
With ILB seen as potentially the only weak point on what should once again be one of the league’s top defenses, the addition of Schobert should shore up the middle of the unit. Especially after Griffith returns, the Broncos will have a number of options at the position.
Figured this was coming given the lack of depth. Surprised they didn’t reunite with Johnson. I understand he’s coming off a brutal injury, but I believe his ceiling trumps Schobert’s
Johnson must not be healthy, because otherwise he’s too talented to still be out there waiting for a job. Whenever I’ve seen him I always notice him around the ball.
Here’s hoping Schobert can remember how to fight off a block and tackle ball carriers, and how to cover guys on short passing routes. Here in Pittsburgh, he looked more like a startled pedestrian on Forbes Avenue
Schobert was usually bad. And he looked a whole lot worse than bad because he was playing next to Devin “Not Interested in Tackling” Bush or Robert “Too Slow” Spillane, and behind the m outlet collection of fill-ins for Alualu at defensive tackle. For his sake I hope last year was more about his surroundings than him, but he wasn’t dogging it and I hope he does well in Denver.