The Spaz
09-09-2004, 08:09 AM
Defensive end Aaron Schobel signed a contract extension Wednesday with the Buffalo Bills in a deal that was largely about pressure.
Schobel took pressure off himself for this season. The Bills took pressure off themselves next March.
The extension includes a signing bonus of $6.75 million and is worth an average of $3.8 million over six years. Schobel was entering the last year of a rookie contract that paid him $711,000 a year. He's now signed through 2009.
"Three years ago if I would have known I'd be making this after three years . . . I'm so happy. Maybe I left something on the table, maybe I didn't. It's over with and I'm happy."
The $23 million deal includes a roster bonus of $2 million scheduled to be paid next March. By signing now, Schobel has financial security and does not have to worry about how his play this year affects his market value.
"This is probably easier on my mind just because financially it's done," he said.
"I wanted to stay here. I like playing in this defense. I like the scheme. I like the people."
The move is key for the Bills because they have two other linemen set to be free agents next March - offensive tackle Jonas Jennings and defensive tackle Pat Williams.
http://www.buffalonews.com/editorial/20040909/1060584.asp
Schobel took pressure off himself for this season. The Bills took pressure off themselves next March.
The extension includes a signing bonus of $6.75 million and is worth an average of $3.8 million over six years. Schobel was entering the last year of a rookie contract that paid him $711,000 a year. He's now signed through 2009.
"Three years ago if I would have known I'd be making this after three years . . . I'm so happy. Maybe I left something on the table, maybe I didn't. It's over with and I'm happy."
The $23 million deal includes a roster bonus of $2 million scheduled to be paid next March. By signing now, Schobel has financial security and does not have to worry about how his play this year affects his market value.
"This is probably easier on my mind just because financially it's done," he said.
"I wanted to stay here. I like playing in this defense. I like the scheme. I like the people."
The move is key for the Bills because they have two other linemen set to be free agents next March - offensive tackle Jonas Jennings and defensive tackle Pat Williams.
http://www.buffalonews.com/editorial/20040909/1060584.asp