National Football League

Bills moving forward without Aaron Schobel

Published Aug. 2, 2010 4:41 p.m. ET

foxsports

The Buffalo Bills say they're moving forward without leading pass rusher Aaron Schobel. The linebacker is home in Texas and considering retirement.

General manager Buddy Nix said from training camp outside Rochester on Monday that the team informed Schobel's agent of its plans.

Schobel told The Associated Press in a phone interview that he learned Monday morning he would have been released even if had reported to camp. The linebacker said he is not upset or surprised by the move.

''I understand. I would have done the same thing if I were in their shoes,'' Schobel said. ''I understand it 100 percent. I'm sort of relieved.

''I have no regrets and I appreciate the organization, Buffalo, their fans and (Bills owner) Ralph (Wilson) for putting me in this position where I was able to play for nine years. I'm not going to say anything bad about them and I wish them the best.''

Schobel said he is not planning to retire, but will take two weeks before making a decision. He did say if he does play, this would be his last NFL season.

Schobel has been contemplating retirement the past seven months. He has spent his nine NFL seasons in Buffalo and his 78 sacks rank second on the team's career list behind Hall of Famer Bruce Smith.

He broached the prospect of retirement at the end of last season, saying he wanted to spend more time with his family. Schobel has four years left on a $50.5 million contract extension he signed in 2007.