We are less than one month away from the Washington Commanders opening training camp. Washington players will report to Ashburn on July 26 and begin training camp the next day.
While most NFL rosters are set until training camp, multiple talented free agents remain. Earlier this week, we named two cornerbacks under 30 who could help the Commanders in 2022.
Pro Football Focus recently named one move all 32 NFL teams should make before camp opens in late July. The move could either be a trade or a free-agent signing.
For the Commanders, that move is adding a free-agent linebacker with plenty of experience in Joe Schobert, formerly of the Pittsburgh Steelers.
Schobert, 28, is just two years removed from signing a five-year, $53.75 million contract with the Jaguars yet remains unsigned since being released by the Steelers in March. Washington is counting on a second-year leap from Jamin Davis but would benefit from a veteran presence at linebacker.
Schobert is still young and has six years of starting experience in the NFL. For his career, Schobert has played in 93 games with 80 starts. He’s missed just three career games. Schobert has 661 career tackles, 11 sacks and 10 interceptions.
He would not be counted on to start for the Commanders. Cole Holcomb and Jamin Davis are Washington’s top two linebackers, and the team will rarely use three traditional linebackers on the field at one time. Schobert would give them an alternative to Davis if he struggles or gets off to a slow start and provides outstanding insurance in case of an injury.
Most importantly, Schobert wouldn’t cost a lot at this point. Washington should add another linebacker, and Schobert would be an excellent move.