CANTON, OH - AUGUST 9: Defensive end Aaron Schobel #94 of the Buffalo Bills runs off the field against the Tennessee Titans during the Pro Football Hall of Fame Game at Fawcett Stadium on August 9, 2009 in Canton, Ohio. The Titans defeated the Bills 21-18. (Photo by Scott Boehm/Getty Images)
Scott Boehm
In-limbo Bills defender Aaron Schobel has been compared to Brett Favre in recent days for his wishy-washy retirement plans. Bills G.M. Buddy Nix has now decided to play the Ted Thompson role in this minidrama.
“Aaron has been contemplating retirement for the past seven months, but we are at the point where we are moving forward and have informed his agent of our plans,” Nix said in a statement released by the team.
“Aaron has been a very good player for the Bills and we wish him and his family the best, but there comes a point where we have to move forward and that point is today. We are focusing on the team’s best interests.”
For once, it really doesn’t seem to be about the money. Schobel was set to transition to outside linebacker and was due $8 million in base salary and a roster bonus from the Bills. It’s hard to imagine another team taking on that contract.
We think this is a wise move by Buffalo -- why pay huge bucks for one year to a guy at a new position when he doesn’t want to be there?
The Bills could explore trade possibilities now, assuming Schobel does want to play again. It seems more likely that the team will eventually release him.