Sam Acho, Damien Woody and Damien Woody assess the Steelers' chances to reach the playoffs this season. (1:57).Are Big Ben and Steelers going to the playoffs? (1:57).PITTSBURGH -- Joe Schobert was traded to the Steelers from the Jacksonville Jaguars on Thursday night, according to ESPN's Michael DiRocco. This trade filled a large need for an inside linebacker, with one month remaining before the season begins.The terms of the trade, which included the Steelers' return package for the Jaguars, weren't immediately disclosed.After Vince Williams' surprise retirement, the Steelers required inside linebacker depth. This left Robert Spillane and Devin Bush as the starting inside linebackers. The rest of the group included Ulysees Gilbert III, safety-turned-linebacker Marcus Allen and 2021 fourth-round pick Buddy Johnson.Keith Butler, defensive coordinator, said last week that the inside linebackers were "we've got to look at what's happening there." "We have to figure out who will be our best backups. That's currently in doubt, I believe.Spillane was a solid replacement to Bush last season, particularly proving his strength in run-stopping. Schobert has been a strong coverage player, despite the Steelers' weakness in linebacker coverage during training camp. Schobert and Spillane will be rotated by the Steelers, allowing Bush to play alongside Schobert.Schobert said that it was a great place to play behind the D-line.Schobert, 27, was signed by the Jaguars to a five year, $53.7 million contract. $21.5 million of that amount will be guaranteed in March 2020. Schobert will play middle linebacker in a 4-3, defense. Steelers have more than $12million in salary-cap space which allows them to absorb Schobert’s $7 million salary.In his first season with the Jaguars, he had 141 tackles. He also had 2.5 sacks and three interceptions. In April, the Jaguars signed Damien Wilson, a former linebacker from Kansas City and Dallas. He had been sharing first-team reps at middle linebacker with Schobert throughout training camp under new coordinator Joe Cullen's 3-4 defense.Schobert is more effective in coverage, but Wilson is a better run defender. According to ESPN Stats & Information research Schobert is one 14 players who has at least two interceptions and two sacks in consecutive seasons since 1994 when data on forced fumbles began being kept accurately. This list includes Hall of Famers Ray Lewis, Brian Dawkins and Charles Woodson. Julius Peppers will also be eligible for the Hall of Fame in 2020.Schobert's two-season record includes seven interceptions, four forced fumbles, and 4.5 sacks.The NFL Network reported the first news about the trade.
