The Jacksonville Jaguars have made their first big move in free agency. Per NFL insider Ian Rapoport, the team came to terms with Cleveland Browns veteran linebacker Joe Schobert and will sign him when the new league year begins.
Per Rapoport, the deal is a five-year deal worth $53.75 million that averages $10.75 million per year. The signing bonus on the contract was $12 million and $22.5 million is guaranteed.
Former #Browns LB Joe Schobert is headed to the #Jaguars on a 5-year, $53.75M deal, source said. He gets an average of $10.75M per year. $12M to sign and $22.5M guaranteed. A new face on that Jax defense.
— Ian Rapoport (@RapSheet) March 17, 2020
Schobert, 26, was a fourth-round selection for the Browns in 2016. Since joining the team, he’s been quite productive for them racking up 408 combined tackles (15 of which were tackles for loss), 8.5 sacks, six interceptions, and seven forced fumbles.
The addition of Schobert is a huge one for the Jags as it means the Jags will be moving Myles Jack to outside linebacker where he is better suited to flourish. Schobert also brings a great deal of experience to the inside linebacker spot with 49 starts to his name and a Pro Bowl nod (2017).
Per Pro Football Focus, he owns the ninth-highest coverage grade over the span of the last two years, which should be a huge deal for the Jags.