Jacksonville Jaguars: Who benefits from LB Joe Schobert trade?

Who would have thought that the Jacksonville Jaguars were going to send linebacker Joe Schobert to the Pittsburgh Steeler after Day 13 of training camp? If anything, trading cornerback C.J. Henderson looked more feasible. The Jags don’t have to announce every move they make but it was still surprising to see them part ways with one of their few bright spots on defense last year.

Although the team hasn’t made the transaction official, several reports have confirmed it. Eric Dillard of Bold Take Pod was one of the first to break the news. Also, whatever compensation Jacksonville will get in exchange for the 2017 Pro Bowl nod is still unknown as of this writing.

Keep in mind that Schobert isn’t a bad player. In fact, he was one of the Jaguars’ best defenders even if Madden 22 doesn’t agree. Simply, he may not have been a good fit in defensive Joe Cullen’s system. Last season, the Wisconsin native played middle linebacker in the Jags’ 4-3 defense, and he was pretty productive, logging 141 total tackles, three tackles for a loss, four passes defensed, two forced fumbles, and three interceptions (one of them was a pick-6).

Nevertheless, Damien Wilson, who signed with the Jags earlier this year, seems like a better fit for Cullen’s hybrid scheme. The 2015 fourth-round pick spent time with the Dallas Cowboys and the Kansas City Chiefs before landing in Jacksonville. Although he hasn’t snagged an interception over the last two years, he’s appeared and started 29 games while registering 154 total tackles, six tackles for a loss, 1.5 sacks, and two forced fumbles.

Who will benefit from the Jacksonville Jaguars’ most recent trade?

Had the Jaguars not traded Schobert, he would have been a lock to make the team. With his roster spot now vacant, there are a few players that could seize the opportunity. Shaquill Quarterman could be one of them. The 2020 fourth-round pick has stood out in training camp and could see his playing time increase considerably with Schobert out of the picture.

Other players that could benefit from Schobert’s departure are Quincy Williams and Dakota Allen, who were at the bottom of the Jaguars’ most recent depth chart. Although Andrew Wingard isn’t a linebacker, he may be on the fringe ahead of the preseason and if the Jaguars decide to carry six safeties into the 2021 regular season, he could make the cut.

Last but not least is Tim Tebow. That’s right, the former Gator doesn’t even play defense but Schobert’s roster spot could go to him. Keep in mind that Tebow is going to shine in the preseason for him to make the team but having an extra spot opens the doors for carrying five tight ends into the season.

Schobert was behind some of the Jacksonville Jaguars’ most impressive defensive moments last year. Do you remember the interception he returned for a touchdown against the Minnesota Vikings in Week 13? However, the wasn’t part of their long-term future. On the bright side, the Jaguars have a solid linebacker corps and Schobert will be on a team that will benefit from his presence, so you could file this trade under the win-win category.