John McClain of the Houston Chronicle reports that free agent defensive end Aaron Schobel intends to officially retire from the National Football League.

Schobel tells McClain that he was tired of having to diet and weigh in the 240s. The 6-4 Schobel maintained a playing weight of 243 pounds.

"I'm done with it," Schobel said.

Schobel had 78 career sacks over his nine-year career with the Buffalo Bills, including 10 sacks in 16 games last season. Schobel was under contract for another four seasons, and was set to earn $8 million in total compensation from the Bills in 2010.

Undecided about whether or not he wanted to continue his career, Schobel did not participate in the OTAs or mini-camps, and did not report to St. John Fisher College for training camp. When Schobel appeared nearing a decision to return, the Bills made it known that they were "moving on" from Schobel, releasing him on August 4.

Since his release from the Bills, the New England Patriots and Seattle Seahawks had expressed in interest in signing the 32-year old, but Schobel only appeared interested in playing for the Houston Texans, who are an hour away from his off-season home and whose defensive line coach, Bill Kollar, coached Schobel in Buffalo.

The Texans are interested in Schobel, with head coach Gary Kubiak speaking with Schobel last week. Thus far, the Texans have been able to coax him out of retirement, but until Schobel officially files his papers with the NFL, he should be considered in play for the Texans.