We were supposedly awaiting a retirement decision from Aaron Schobel, crossing our fingers each morning we wouldn't hear news that the Bills active sack leader would call it quits.

Yesterday, retirement news broke, but to the shock of many, Schobel wasn't involved. Buffalo offensive tackle Brad Butler, at the ripe old age of 26, told Buffalobills.com he plans to retire from professional football.

Butler's career in Buffalo has been lined with injuries. In 2009, he was lost in week two after blowing out his knee.

He was never dominant, but Butler's versatility was invaluable to the Bills. He played both tackle positions and guard in Buffalo.

Many believe Butler will head into politics -- he completed an internship with former Bills quarterback Jack Kemp last summer.

Butler's depature makes GM Buddy Nix's job more difficult- as if the start to the rebuilding process wasn't complex enough. Many believe the Bills need to find new starters at both tackle spots at the edge of the Bills offensive line.

The Bills may sign their bookends in free agency, hope to uncover them in the draft, or rely on tackles on the current roster to anchor the line.

Regardless of the moves made, depth will be questioned heading into the 2010 season. Guys like Jamon Meredith and Demetrius Bell must continue their progression because they will certainly called upon to man the trenches next year.

CHRIS TRAPASSO