Buffalo Bills general manager Buddy Nix announced that the team is moving forward without Aaron Schobel.

"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."

The 32-year old Schobel has spent his entire nine-year career with the Bills, who chose him in the second round of the 2001 NFL Draft out of TCU. Schobel (6-4, 243) has 483 tackles and 78 quarterback sacks during his career, and has made two trips to the Pro Bowl (2006, 2007).

Schobel has been on the team's "Reserve/Did Not Report" list while he contemplated whether or not he planned to continue his NFL career. Now that the Bills have closed the door on his return to their franchise, Schobel will be free to find a new team.

Schobel lives in Columbus, Texas, and as his career winds down, may be looking for an opportunity to play closer to home. The Houston Texans could use pass-rush help from the defensive end position, and appear to be a natural fit.