4 free agents the Carolina Panthers must consider post-draft in 2022

Carolina Panthers could sign Joe Schobert

Joe Schobert is a tackling machine. The formidable linebacker has produced more than 100 total tackles every season he has been a starter in the NFL.

The inside linebacker position needs someone to fill in for at least a season with the Damien Wilson situation going on. There are no better fits than Schobert based on what’s currently available on the free-agent market.

He seems to always find his way to the football to make a play on the carrier. Schobert’s instincts are very high, and he would fill in next to Shaq Thompson in a big way if the Carolina Panthers do end up releasing Wilson before the campaign.

Schobert is also used to playing as a 3-4 inside linebacker throughout his career. So there are no concerns with the scheme fit if Carolina signs him.

Signing Schobert fills a need. But much will depend on how quickly Brandon Smith can improve his explosive skill set after the Panthers traded up into the fourth-round to land the gifted second-level defender out of Penn State.

If Smith ends up needing a little more time before assuming prominent reps, then Schobert represents a solid short-term option in this scenario.