Aaron Schobel

46-Year-Old LinebackerLB
 Free Agent  
2023 Fantasy Outlook
There was no outlook written for Aaron Schobel in 2023. Check out the latest news below for more on his current fantasy value.
$Released by the Bills in August of 2010.
LBFree Agent
March 21, 2012
Schobel is considering a return to football, according to league sources as reported by Jason La Canfora of NFL.com.
ANALYSIS
Intriguing. Schobel hasn't played a down of pro football in two seasons, but he retired at a high level, and he could probably sneak another season or two out of his 34-year-old body. Free agent pass rushers are now scarce on the free agent market, so there could be a demand for him, too. In case anyone is wondering, the Bills have already politely ruled him out of their plans, though we could think of a few other teams who might be picking up the phone.
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2023 Aaron Schobel Split Stats
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Past Fantasy Outlooks
2010
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2003
Schobel is most of the way to retirement, but seems to have some desire to continue if he was given the perfect arrangement, something that would give him time with his family and keep his offseason/practice work to a minimum. The Bills seem to want him totally committed, and Schobel understands that, so his time in Buffalo is probably done. But he lives near Houston, so that remains a possibility under the right circumstance. The Bills could also end up in such dire straits at OLB that they just call up Schobel in September, knowing he'd be ready pretty quickly if he still had the interest to play. You don't want to draft him as an IDP unless he's fully committed to playing, and has a starting job. Schobel has much more value as a DE than an outside linebacker.
Another potentially elite defensive end coming off a significant injury, Schobel could produce top IDP numbers if completely healthy. Known as a relentless worker, Schobel averaged 10.8 sacks and 58.6 tackles per year from 2002 to 2006 -- and didn't miss a single game in that span. He produced 57 tackles 2007, but it was an off year as his sack total dropped to a career-low 6.5. And 2008 was worse -- sidelined by injury for the first time in his career, Schobel played in just six games. He's been healthy enough to participate in the Bills' offseason program and should be completely healthy for the upcoming season.
Schobel's sack total fell from 14 in 2006 to 6.5 in 2007, but he should see a return to glory with the addition of Marcus Shroud to Buffalo's defensive line.
You're not excited about Aaron Schobel. You're reading about him, but unless you're from Buffalo, Schobel doesn't quicken the pulse. Maybe that's because, as fine an athlete as he is with the range and strength to be a perennial fantasy Pro Bowler, little about Schobel stands out. Sure, he's got plenty of physical talents, but it’s recognition and the motivation to fight through traffic and get to the ball that make him dangerous. Quarterbacks can tell you, he's quite good at that. After a somewhat slow start in the first four weeks last season, Schobel had sacks in 10 of his next 11 games, totaling 13 in that span. He finished the season with 14, third-best in the league. It was actually a down year with his tackle total (in the 70s the previous two years) dipping to 53. Want another nice streak? Schobel hasn't missed a game in his six-year career. And he's had 11.5 sacks or more in three of his past four seasons. His desire, intelligence and ability make for one of the best, and possibly most underrated, ends in the game.
Name a category, and Schobel had a career-high in it last season, one in which he was second only to Derrick Burgess in the lineman year-end standings. Year-in and year-out, Schobel works every down and every game, playing with solid edge rush speed and technique. He has improved every year in his tackle counts, though expecting better than 54 solos in 2006 is foolhardy. He’s lost Sam Adams’ support on the interior, but Buffalo signed Larry Tripplett from Indianapolis and reached to draft John McCargo in the first round this past April. Schobel won’t wow you with his stats or abilities as much as some other top ends, but he also keep turning in solid years one after another. Ten sacks is always a realistic possibility with Schobel.
Schobel had a down year with sacks in 2004 after posting 11.5 in 2003, but made up for it with increased tackling. Typically in the low-to-mid-30s, his tackle stats have kicked up every year he’s been a pro. The sack numbers dipped in part because the Bills deployed him in zone coverage more often than in the past and also emphasized rushing from the middle and left side (Schobel plays right end). Schobel loses talented tackle Pat Williams, but still has Sam Adams eating up blockers on the inside and an improving Chris Kelsay at left end. The Bills’ defensive schemes certainly worked well last year – they were a top shelf fantasy team defense – so expect similar numbers from Schobel.
Schobel has become a sack producer you can rely on. He seems to stay healthy, has a high motor, and more than anyone benefits from Sam Adams and Pat Williams clogging up the line. Schobel has 26.5 sacks in just his first three NFL seasons, and given good health, another 8-10 season should be money in the bank.
Schobel has become a sack producer you can rely on. He seems to stay healthy, has a high motor, and more than anyone benefits from Sam Adams and Pat Williams clogging up the line. Schobel has 26.5 sacks in just his first three NFL seasons, and given good health, another 8-10 season should be money in the bank.
More Fantasy News
LBFree Agent
September 28, 2010
Schobel worked out with the Texans on Tuesday, John McClain of the Houston Chronicle reports.
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LBFree Agent
August 16, 2010
Schobel told John McClain of the Houston Chronicle he's officially retired and won't be playing for the Texans.
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Aaron Schobel: Pats Interested?
LBFree Agent
August 8, 2010
The Patriots reportedly have strong interest in Schobel, NESN.com reports.
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LBFree Agent
August 6, 2010
Texans owner Bob McNair admitted his team is interested in Schobel, the Houston Chronicle reports.
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LBFree Agent
August 4, 2010
Prior to getting released by Buffalo on Wednesday, Schobel told the Houston Chronicle that "without a doubt," he would be interested in playing for the Texans.
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