Texans Potential Free Agent: Aaron Schobel
by Jake on Aug 2, 2010 1:29 PM CDT
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PrintLongtime Buffalo Bills defensive end Aaron Schobel retired at the end of the 2009 season, but apparently has had a change of heart. The Bills, however, have informed their 2001 second round draft pick that they will be moving on without him and if he chooses to come back they will give him his outright release. Now Schobel is "very interested in talking to other teams."
Pro Football Talk already got the speculation train going by pointing out that Schobel was raised near Houston and may want to play here. Schobel did attend Columbus High School, then Texas Christian University, and still lives in the Columbus area during the offseason. That might influence his free agent decision a little, but there's another interesting wrinkle to this story - Texans defensive line coach Bill Kollar.
Kollar coached Schobel in Buffalo from 2006-2008. The first year of that relationship yielded Schobel's most productive year as a pro when he tallied 14 sacks. The next two years were mired by inconsistency and injuries for Schobel, but the coach and player have remained extremely close. So close, in fact, that John McClain has tweeted that the two got together for golf in the offseason and that the Texans would be Schobel's first choice.
I personally would love the move. Despite the near-retirement, Schobel still has plenty left in the tank as evidenced by his 10 sacks last year. Moreover, I hypothesized last year that Bill Kollar would try to mold Connor Barwin after Schobel as a lighter pass rusher, so what could be better than to have him there for Barwin to learn in person? This would allow more of a rotation on the line, and give Barwin at least a year or two to fully hit his stride before all of the responsibility was put on his shoulders.
The New York Giants won a Super Bowl using the theory that you can never have too many good defensive linemen, and I never argue with results. What say you BRB?
UPDATE: Bills GM Buddy Nix now claims that Schobel will NOT be given his outright release. Nix claimed that Schobel will either retire, or be the subject of a trade.
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Schobel is scheduled to make $8.28 million in 2010 if he plays
Doesn’t this sound like a Lance Berkman thing? Shouldn’t the Bills be paying the Texans to take him? No, I know that’s stupid. Okay, realistically, Schobel would have to renegotiate his contract. I don’t see the Texans bringing some old guy to play LB for that kind of money.
I suppose if all of the stars, moons and planets align it could be possible, but what are the chances of that?
First off
He would be a DE and not an LB. It’s not like the guy is 6’2 225. He has some size.
He isn’t that old. Zgonina is old.
This move could really help us, especially the first month since we start off slow
I see him signing a two year 5 mill deal by Thursday.
by AllenOU on Aug 2, 2010 2:10 PM CDT via mobile up reply actions
Also, don't see the Texans giving up anything to get him
…and all reports say the Bills aren’t releasing him for nothing. I just don’t see it happening. The more I think about it; he probably is out of shape, seeing how he has been retired for the last seven months. You get out of shape faster at 33 than 23. It would be a risk that might never pay off and giving the Bills something for that risk? I wouldn’t pull that trigger. On top of that, what would the Texans and Schobel come to agreement on for salary? Is he thinking this is an opportunity to help this team get to the playoffs and therefore he’ll accept much less?
Sure, DE, my bad…6’-4" 242 or 262, depending on what source you read.
Two years, $5 mill….IDK That’s a lot for a a guy who will be a part-time player as you sit a very promising Connor Barwin who needs field time to possibly be better than Schobel is now. I’m officially against it.
I suppose if all of the stars, moons and planets align it could be possible, but what are the chances of that?
PFT says the Bills are going to release him
And Schobel will probably take less to come here because of Kollar.
I say hire him on as a coach if we need him here to school Barwin
The DE position is crowded as is and I think Barwin should emerge as a player this year. Sorry to be argumentative, but I’m happy with the DEs the Texans have already and don’t see that adding Schobel and cutting someone else is improving the team.
But it they do add him, I hope the Bills do release him, because I don’t want to see the Texans give anything away.
I suppose if all of the stars, moons and planets align it could be possible, but what are the chances of that?
PFT is probably wrong
Chris Brown (head journalist for the bills) has stated that they will not just release him, he will either have to retire or be traded…..it would be extremely stupid for the bills to just release him….
Buffalo, that's where it's at baby. - Adam 'Pacman' Jones
To us winning is a tradition. We are victors and need not explain. You may hate us, but your girlfriends love us. - BC
One more than Shaq. - Kobe answering how it felt to win Championship number 5
by silverstreak3k on Aug 2, 2010 4:08 PM CDT up reply actions
my understanding is that the Bills have said that he will never play for them again
All he would have to do is threaten to report to camp. If he shows up he has a contract and the Bills would have to pay him which they don’t want to do. I’m sure they will try and get something for him, but it’s probably not going to happen.
"Well, at least our players kept their helmets on, so that showed some intelligence"-Bob McNair
by papabear on Aug 2, 2010 4:25 PM CDT up reply actions 1 recs
so far schobel has said he wont force the bills hand
so as of right now, a trade will be the only way he plays next year…
Buffalo, that's where it's at baby. - Adam 'Pacman' Jones
To us winning is a tradition. We are victors and need not explain. You may hate us, but your girlfriends love us. - BC
One more than Shaq. - Kobe answering how it felt to win Championship number 5
by silverstreak3k on Aug 2, 2010 4:38 PM CDT up reply actions
If he decides to play there's no reason for any team to give up anything for him
The Texans have been in the same situation before of trying to trade a player that everyone knew was going to get released. It’s hard to do. Especially because I think he would have a limited number of teams he wants to play for…like maybe only Houston because of family. He might not be planning on forcing their hand, but that doesn’t mean it won’t happen…and the team he wants to play for might force the Bills hand for them.
"Well, at least our players kept their helmets on, so that showed some intelligence"-Bob McNair
by papabear on Aug 2, 2010 4:44 PM CDT up reply actions 1 recs
Yes sir...
Buffalo gave up any leverage by announcing they’re moving on without him.
"Lord, beer me strength."
There seems to be conflicting information
They might not be actually giving him his unconditional release.
Here’s how this works.
Schobel is on the Reserve/Did Not Report list. Buffalo can keep him there indefinitely; he doesn’t count against the team’s roster. Schobel can “force the team’s hand,” if you will, by reporting to camp; that would force the team to either trade him or release him. Schobel has already told BuffaloBills.com that he would NOT be forcing the team’s hand, however.
Buffalo will do everything they can to facilitate his transition to another team should he decide to play again – and that hasn’t happened yet, by the way. But they’ll obviously try to get something in return if they can.
Long story short, if the Texans offered anything, and Schobel was willing to let the Texans strip him of some salary, then it might happen. But it’s still a longshot.
by Brian Galliford on Aug 2, 2010 2:40 PM CDT up reply actions
Hasn't the team already said they wouldn't release him?
Could be a ploy to get something….. How steadfast are they on these things? I think the Texans would release the guy unless doors were being knocked down to get him. I just don’t see the Texans ponying up to do that in this case. They have players at that position, small DE…guys with a lot fewer miles on them.
I suppose if all of the stars, moons and planets align it could be possible, but what are the chances of that?
Well, apparently you’re right. I don’t get Buffalo’s logic on this (which I say far too often), but apparently, they’re going to release him.
I’ll go back into my hole of FML now.
by Brian Galliford on Aug 4, 2010 8:36 AM CDT up reply actions
True but...
There is still a budget, and there is no way the owners won’t insist on a salary cap. It’s hard to predict how that will be handled, but it wouldn’t be wise to not take into account how any salary signed this year will affect your future cap.
Also, while there is no salary cap there are still rules in place from the CBA that are designed to keep things from getting too out of control during the uncapped years. I’m too lazy to go look everything up, but I believe there are some restrictions to keep people from heavily front loading contracts during the uncapped period.
"Well, at least our players kept their helmets on, so that showed some intelligence"-Bob McNair
I would love it if he signed here
He is a very good pass rusher, and he would probably come in on third down and be everything we hope barwin can be in the future.
Not San Andreas?
I’ve always wanted to go there.
A Texas Wannabe, born and raised in New Zealand. Currently located 7539 miles South west of Houston.
by distant_texans_fan on Aug 3, 2010 2:15 PM CDT up reply actions
You don't stunt Barwin's growth for Schobel
The only way this would work is if Antonio Smith enters a DT rotation with Amino Okoye, Earl Mitchell, and Shaun Cody. Schobel plays 2 downs with Barwin coming in on 3rd downs….he’d also add depth in case Mario gets hurt.
Oh, and Schobel has to give the Kollar and Hometown discount….
I don’t think Houston needs Schobel, but if the price and situation is right then it wouldn’t hurt.
"Lord, beer me strength."
I'm with you on this
I think Buffalo realizes they won’t get anything for him so they will just give him the release, and he will sign as depth. Put smith in on the inside rotation and Aaron on the DE on 1st and second and he and mario will be hard to stop. Again cant ever have too many good D linemen!!! I wish we had the same problem on the Oline!
You can't fix Dumb or being a VYFB
by Texans-Brocos on Aug 2, 2010 2:47 PM CDT up reply actions
There is a league-wide shortage of O-lineman
I think they all feel that way, except, the Texans don’t seem to see it!!!
I suppose if all of the stars, moons and planets align it could be possible, but what are the chances of that?
thats what should happen and let Okoye and Mitchell fight out the other tackle spot
rotate all those guys and you have a sick DL
Rockets-Texans-Dynamo-Longhorn fan.. used to be Astros too, but not sure there a pro team anymore
Not sure how I feel about this
Schobel reminds me of the Roosevelt Colvin thing from a few seasons back where everyone is excited to get him and then we see that there was a reason he got cut from his last team.
I don't see excitement....
We do have Williams/Smith/Barwin at DE. We’re fine without him really.
However, he showed last year that he still had a motor even coming off of 2008 IR. 10 sacks, 3 FFumbles, 1 INT, and a TD? For the right price and situation, he could bring something to the table in terms of production and veteran experience.
I don’t see it happening, but given the Kollar and Houston connections then it has to be discussed….cause there’s a possibility there.
"Lord, beer me strength."
You're right about Kollar
What changed Schobel’s thinking
The person who got Schobel thinking twice about closing the door on his professional football career was his former position coach with the Bills, who lives near Schobel’s Texas home, serving as the defensive line coach for the Houston Texans.
"I talked to Bill Kollar," said Schobel. "I played golf with him one day. This is what he said, ‘At the end of the year come January or February whenever the season is over will you regret playing? Or will you regret not playing?’
"That sort of made me think a little more about it. Come January when the season is over I don’t think I’d say, ‘Dang I’m glad I didn’t do that.’ I’ll probably say, ‘Dang I should’ve done it.’ So that made me start thinking about playing a little bit."
Seems like he REALLY likes Bill Kollar.
Except not really?
I’m pretty sure Buffalo is switching to a 3-4 and Schobel doesn’t fit the system. Plus, 10 sacks last year seems to suggest he’s still got some gas left in the tank. Colvin seemed on his last leg to me when we signed him.
But yeah, the theory behind the signing would be similar: If the price is right, there’s no reason not to bring another body in and see what he can do.
by DisplacedTexan on Aug 2, 2010 3:01 PM CDT up reply actions
It will happen....
or not. Would be nice to have him for those first four.
GO TEXANS!!!!
Our time will come...
Lance Zierlein
I think there is a better than 50% chance that Schobel ends up with the Texans. Schobel’s agents are based in Houston & his family is here. He will want a chance to compete for playoffs & playing for Kollar is a BIG plus.
Kollar could actually do some good for us?
by nolander on Aug 2, 2010 3:34 PM CDT up reply actions 1 recs
We might have enough DEs
But with the pass rush on this team, you can’t have enough pass rushers.
I like tim bulman, but this guy gives us a better chance to get sacks and wins IMHO.
Sign him to a two year deal, and worse case you cut him after camp.
This is the year to pull out all the stops and go for it, so nut up boys
by AllenOU on Aug 2, 2010 3:41 PM CDT via mobile up reply actions
I agree
I could care less how crowded a spot is. I’m all about competition, survival of the fittest and cutting the fat off the roster.
It also helps the DLine philosophy
If it’s all about speed and high-motor then rotations and keeping guys fresh would be nice.
"Lord, beer me strength."
Okay, Mr. GM, who is the fat you are cutting?
I suppose if all of the stars, moons and planets align it could be possible, but what are the chances of that?
Give it a rest, Rip
Whoever the weak link is is the one/one’s who should get cut. If that ends up being Schobel if he is eventually brought in, then so be it. I’m not picking on whoever your athlete of the day is, okay? I’m just saying that the people whining that this means someone else on the roster would have to get cut to make room for Schobel, well then they didn’t earn it and deserve to be cut. The end. No favoritism or fuax-GMing from me.
by Mike Kerns on Aug 2, 2010 7:48 PM CDT up reply actions 3 recs
little touchy, are we?
Just asking a question. Wasn’t delving into your psyche….
I suppose if all of the stars, moons and planets align it could be possible, but what are the chances of that?
I had just done a vicious P90x workout
and I hurt and was grumpy as hell. I may have been a tad on the touchy side. I’ll try not to mix the two in the future.
roid rage or P90X?
is the P90X workout code for i’m on juice and working out? just saying cuz my brother in law was stick thin 3 months ago and all of a sudden he has guns and shoulders. his claim to fame was the P90X, i know better than that.
Don't ask me! Ask Google, you dumb Yahoo!
Don't change the subject
I want more emotion, less logic. Fight! Fight! Fight!
hCG levels within acceptable range.
I'll post more tonight right after I get off my incline bench....
I suppose if all of the stars, moons and planets align it could be possible, but what are the chances of that?
No roids here
my back, knees and joints are in bad enough shape already. I wouldn’t say I have bulked up a lot, but I did the “Lean” version the first time around to drop weight. Now I’m starting the “Classic” version which is for bulk and muscle. And, yes, it’s much more difficult. Hence me getting “touchy.”
sample please....
I suppose if all of the stars, moons and planets align it could be possible, but what are the chances of that?
Piss sample....we need to send it to the lab to clear you these accusations
I suppose if all of the stars, moons and planets align it could be possible, but what are the chances of that?
If you can pick up a guy who had 10 sacks last year for depth, this seems like a very easy decision to me!
You can't fix Dumb or being a VYFB
by Texans-Brocos on Aug 2, 2010 4:01 PM CDT reply actions 3 recs
Hmm how about
Barwin-EMFM-Mario-Schobel on passing downs…
Assmass alone does not a NT make.
The thing I love most about this, is that Barwin can learn from Schobel.
If only he could come in as a DE coach…
Earl Campbell is the perfect combination of assmass and weightspeed. - Papabear
I always have a hard time trying to gauge assistants
Hoke got lots of good publicity, but our DB’s were never that great. Kollar gets killed by the fans, but players and media (John Harris specifically) seem to love him.
"Well, at least our players kept their helmets on, so that showed some intelligence"-Bob McNair
no coach
rotate these guys, all the great teams have great talent and depth everywhere.. bring em in as a player the DL will make the horrid DB’s (well whats been tweeted about the DB’s) better with the hurries and pressures INTs etc… DO IT
Rockets-Texans-Dynamo-Longhorn fan.. used to be Astros too, but not sure there a pro team anymore
Hell...
ALL our dlinemen could learn from a dude working stats like that at his age, and for so long. I can’t imagine one situation where this is not the absolutely best thing that could happen for the team right now.
Other than maybe Peytun taking a Sergio Kindel type drunk spill down the stairs that Ace Ventura spilled the slinky down in AV2.
Bacon tastes good... Pork chops taste good.
Everyone needs to read this article Steph linked on twitter
http://www.buffalobills.com/news/article-3/Schobel-Im-relieved/d69de4bb-7de8-4b50-9066-a412d93ec2f4
A 33 year old guy who has never been a “practice guy” or a “workout guy” is not exactly what I think of when I’m looking for a veteran presence to bring in. He also admits that he has “lost a step” and is not the same player he used to be. He doesn’t sound like he still has a fire for the game either….though a lot of that sounds family related which playing here would solve.
I was really on the fence on this one most of the day. If the price was right it might be worth a shot, but for some reason that article lessened what little enthusiasm I had for the deal. Not saying I will be mad if we do it. He could still help us, but I won’t bat an eye if nothing ever comes of it. Between Smith, Mario, and Barwin there aren’t that many snaps to go around. Barwin and Schobel would basically be splitting 3rd down snaps. That might help Schobel staty fresh, but it’s not going to do much to help Barwin.
"Well, at least our players kept their helmets on, so that showed some intelligence"-Bob McNair
I don't know if you can trust that write up.
It was written by ……Chris Brown.
A Texas Wannabe, born and raised in New Zealand. Currently located 7539 miles South west of Houston.
by distant_texans_fan on Aug 2, 2010 5:15 PM CDT up reply actions 3 recs
My apolgies
I would never advocate anything by anyone with a the name of Chris Brown if I had known.z
"Well, at least our players kept their helmets on, so that showed some intelligence"-Bob McNair
You guys are missing the greatest benefit of bringing in Aaron Schobel...
… we could lure his TE brother, Bo, here.
by krkenney on Aug 2, 2010 5:24 PM CDT reply actions 1 recs
I didn't wanna say anything
but I was getting concerned about the depth there.
"Lord, beer me strength."
by TexansDC on Aug 2, 2010 5:27 PM CDT up reply actions 1 recs
schoebel's first choice is definetly here...
and if Rick Smith can work it out, then he will be a texan in no time…anyway I realllllly want him to be a texan…a very underrated player
by EveryHoustonTeamRox! on Aug 2, 2010 5:40 PM CDT reply actions
He could act like a John Abraham type player, playing every few snaps to keep his motor going… Never know, having another pass rusher could even help us to create some interesting blitz packages.
It's hard bein whimpy
It can't make the pass rush any worse
Of this I am sure
by AllenOU on Aug 2, 2010 6:22 PM CDT via mobile up reply actions
What's a "blitz??"
Dammit, now you guys have got me doing the whole “downing a coach/player just for a cheap chuckle” thing. I feel dirty…. jordann, sponge…
Bacon tastes good... Pork chops taste good.
Now that it's trade or retire
I can’t see Rick Smith trading unless it’s a really, really low pick or a few briskets.
"Lord, beer me strength."
"Here's a case of Shiner, send that Schobel kid down home" thanks Rick
You can't fix Dumb or being a VYFB
by Texans-Brocos on Aug 2, 2010 6:51 PM CDT up reply actions 1 recs
The guy has lost any passion for the game
and, it appears he never really had the passion anyways. Schobel would turn around everything this team has done to establish a growing program. He doesn’t like to workout or practice. He’s coming to a new team with players he’s never played with. He wants big bucks. This doesn’t make sense. His playing days are over. He’s lost a step and he hasn’t worked out over the off-season. We don’t have room for the guy.
I suppose if all of the stars, moons and planets align it could be possible, but what are the chances of that?
Based on what?
He had 10 sacks last season on a crap Bills team that is switching to a 3-4 and has out-right stated has no use for him.
What is any of that speculation based on?
by DisplacedTexan on Aug 2, 2010 9:25 PM CDT up reply actions
I assume it's the link that PapaBear put up a few posts up...
With him needing to be traded for, I think it’s unlikely. If he were a FA, it’d probably happen, but Rick values his draft picks too much.
"Lord, beer me strength."
He has stated as much
I suppose if all of the stars, moons and planets align it could be possible, but what are the chances of that?
havent heard anyone
mention this would help our secondary, I think thats actually the greatest benefit of signing him
Rockets-Texans-Dynamo-Longhorn fan.. used to be Astros too, but not sure there a pro team anymore
As a counter-update to the link at the bottom, the Bills *are* once again expected to release Schobel.
They apparently realized no one’s going to trade for a 33-year-old DE who said he’s either playing for Houston or retiring and is due to be paid $8 milion.
It’s on Jason La Canfora’s twitter. Lemme find the url.
Why Not!
If he is indeed released then why not add him to the roster. Only if the price is right. And depth at DE is a good thing not a bad thing. Not sure if any of you guys noticed but Super Mario has another injury that he is dealing with and who knows how it is going to effect him going forward this season. Schobel would be a nice addition if the price is right.
trade him straight up for BIG FAT Frank Okam!
All thst insulation that has him “sweating gravy” in the Texas heat will be an asset on the frozen tundra and in the swirling winds of a January moring in Buffalo…plus, 3-4’s love fattys, right? And he is sooooo smart and has soooo much potential!!!!….
by Smittybaby on Aug 3, 2010 11:06 AM CDT reply actions 1 recs
or since TO is gone, maybe if Smith could keep a straight face...
we could pretend that “El Dre Otra” is a great #1 reciever/returnman and ship him and his fat contract, for Schobel + a 6th rounder, a bucket of Hot Wings and have them extradite Frank Ritch back to Houston to finally pay for his crimes against humanity.
by Smittybaby on Aug 3, 2010 11:21 AM CDT reply actions 3 recs
Try putting all of these thoughts in one post
My finger hurts from rec’ing.
hCG levels within acceptable range.
...sorry, Frank "Reich"
as in …“the 3rd”….
by Smittybaby on Aug 3, 2010 11:24 AM CDT reply actions 1 recs
The Texans may not be the only team interested in Schobel's services
I suppose if all of the stars, moons and planets align it could be possible, but what are the chances of that?
But Schobel doesn't want to play in a 3-4.
Or at least, that’s why I thought he wanted out of Buffalo.
he's been waffling all offseason about if he wanted to play or not
Asked the Bills to give a month or two to decide if he wanted to keep playing after last season. He’s still trying to decide. The Bills finally decided that they were going to move on with out him and that they had players waiting in the wings.
If he does come here my guess is he will try to wait a couple of weeks to try and avoid as much camp as possible.
"Well, at least our players kept their helmets on, so that showed some intelligence"-Bob McNair
last statement - dead nuts on....
I suppose if all of the stars, moons and planets align it could be possible, but what are the chances of that?
Well, Schobel's been released.
The bloggers seem to think its imminent that we cut Tim Bulman… but we ought to string the FO up if they cut Bulman before Okam, DelJuan Robinson, Nading, Jamison, or Egboh.
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