The Cleveland Browns are not going to try to retain linebacker Joe Schobert once he hits free agency in March. That’s according to a report from Mary Kay Cabot of cleveland.com and one that has been hinted at for several weeks.
Schobert is expected to earn a big new contract once he hits free agency. The Browns have indicated they would like to keep Schobert, with both GM Andrew Berry and new head coach Kevin Stefanski talking about their desire to bring Schobert back during their scouting combine press conferences this week. But the estimated price tag of over $10 million per year is more than the new Browns regime is willing to pay.
It remains to be seen what Schobert will command, but recent contracts given to similar players like Kwon Alexander and Shaq Thompson push the expected price per year to the $13 million range, with a significant portion guaranteed. Schobert is coming off his most impactful season with career-highs in INTs and tackles for loss.
That’s apparently too rich for the budget for Berry and Stefanski. It’s a steep price to pay for an off-ball LB, a position that traditionally doesn’t command the biggest paycheck on the defense.