Panthers 2020 free agency: 4 potential targets at linebacker

Now that he’s retired from the NFL, the Carolina Panthers have a massive hole to fill in the middle of their defense.

Joe Schobert

Joe Schobert
(Photo by Kirk Irwin/Getty Images)

Career stats: 61 games, 252 solo tackles, 15 tackles for a loss, seven forced fumbles, 8.5 sacks, 19 QB hits, six interceptions, 20 pass breakups

Pros: Schobert (26) is another quality coverage linebacker, but he’s also an accomplished pass rusher and was an edge rusher at Wisconsin. He’s also as durable as they come at the position. Schobert played every single defensive snap for the Browns in 2017 and 99% of them this year.

Cons: It’s rare for linebackers to be both excellent dropping back in coverage and stopping the run (Kuechly really was special in this regard), and Schobert is no exception to the rule. He has a habit of getting washed out out plays and will need to grow there.