The Cleveland Browns will have a new leading tackler in 2020.
According to Ian Rapoport of the NFL Network, linebacker Joe Schobert will sign a 5-year deal with the Jacksonville Jaguars when the new league year officially begins on Wednesday. Per Rapoport, Schobert's new contract is worth $53.75 million, $22.5 million of which is guaranteed.
Selected out of Wisconsin in the fourth round of the 2016 NFL Draft, Schobert emerged as a mainstay of the Browns defense over the course of his four seasons in Cleveland. In 2017, he led the NFL in tackles with 144 en route to earning Pro Bowl honors.
In 2019, Schobert tallied 133 tackles, marking the third consecutive season he led Cleveland in tackles. He also notched 7 tackles for a loss, 2 sacks and 4 interceptions -- two of which came in a win over the Miami Dolphins in which he was named the AFC Player of the Week.
With Schobert's departure and the Browns having released Christian Kirksey -- who has since signed with the Green Bay Packers -- Mack Wilson is the only starting linebacker slated to return to Cleveland in 2020. On Monday, the Browns got off to a fast start during the NFL's "legal tampering" period, reportedly agreeing to deals with tight end Austin Hooper, offensive tackle Jack Conklin and veteran quarterback Case Keenum.
NFL free agent signings will become official when the new league year officially begins on Wednesday.