Schobel Released by Bills, Will Play in 2010
The Buffalo Bills called their latest move “the fair thing to do” for both the team and their veteran linebacker (LB) Aaron Schobel. The Bills released Schobel, giving him the option to either retire, or play for another team.
Bills General Manager Buddy Nix had spoken to Schobel and told him the team would release him. Schobel had spent the offseason pondering retirement but had decided to join the Bills for a 10th season. Schobel still had a lot of money left on his contract. He signed a contract extension in 2007 worth $50.5 million and had four years remaining on the contract.
Nix wished Schobel all the best in his future endeavours: "If he chooses to retire, he will do so as a Buffalo Bill," Nix said. "This move allows him the opportunity to play somewhere else if he so chooses. And we felt that was a fair thing to do for a guy who has played hard for us the past nine seasons."
While Nix thinks that Schobel was still uncertain about his future, Schobel’s agent said that his client intends to play in 2010. Who he plays for will be an interesting question. He has a lot to offer for a team who needs an upgrade at linebacker. In the nine years he spent in Buffalo, he accumulated 78 sacks, second in Bills history behind Hall-of-Famer defensive end (DE) Bruce Smith.
The Bills decided to release him due to the large amount remaining on his contract. Trading him would have been very difficult, as no team would take the large contract. The move gives Schobel freedom to do what he wants and saves the Bills money as the team is in rebuilding mode.
Now Schobel has to choose which team he will play for, if he in fact he does intend to play. It’s being reported that he will want to play for a team near his home outside of Houston. That would make the Houston Texans an obvious first choice, if they want him. Also in the mix would be Dallas or New Orleans.
Schobel had been contemplating retirement all year. He claimed football was not fun and he was frustrated by the Bills constantly missing the playoffs every season. The Bills have not made the playoffs in ten years, before Schobel was a member of the team. If Schobel comes back, then he’ll likely not only want to play for a playoff contender, but a Super Bowl contender.
Certainly Schobel is worth bringing in for at least one season. He can provide a lift for a struggling defence or simply provide a missing piece on a good team.
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