Longtime Bills defensive end Aaron Schobel has skipped the entire offseason program while contemplating retirement, speaking nary a word to the media. Finally contacted by the Buffalo News on Thursday, the pass rusher made his feelings and intentions more clear.
“At this point I don’t think I’m going to play,” said the 32-year-old. “I’m not ready to say I’m retiring but it’s in the Bills’ hands.”
The second portion of Schobel’s comments indicate that he is displeased with the Bills. Schobel signed a seven-year, $50.5 million contract in 2007, so he is very well compensated. He was paid a $2 million roster bonus in March, and can earn a $6.025 million base salary by playing out the season.
So what is making Schobel unhappy? It could be the Bills’ switch from a 4-3 to a 3-4 defense under new coordinator George Edwards. In the new scheme, Schobel would likely be forced to convert to outside linebacker, a position he’s not played at the NFL level.
Schobel confirmed that he won’t attend any of the team’s pre-training camp activities. Though he left the door open for an in-season return, Schobel sounds pessimistic.
“But if they want to move on, I’m fine with that,” he said.
Schobel ranks second in Bills history in sacks, behind only Hall of Famer Bruce Smith. He was a Pro Bowler in 2006 and 2007, and led the team with 10 sacks last season.