The Buccaneers are officially 0-2 on the season and panic is starting to set in. Tampa Bay cannot seem to escape the drama so far this season and things appear to only be getting worse. Drama continues to cloud the season and quarterback Josh Freeman is at the center of it all.
It could be argued that Tampa Bay was set up for this after opting to not give Freeman an extension in the offseason. The quarterback has struggled with consistency and Tampa Bay wanted him to play out the final year of his rookie deal. What was supposed to be a motivation tactic has only brought about more issues.
It was reported last week that Freeman was not voted a team caption. The franchise quarterback was out voted for Vincent Jackson. Players were under the idea that head coach Greg Schiano tampered with the votes, leading to a players-only meeting. Then, Freeman "over slept" and missed the team picture. Both he and Schiano have downplayed all issues so far.
Over the weekend a report surfaced that Freeman was demanding a trade from the Buccaneers as he continues to struggle with his relationship with Schiano. CBSSports.com reported that the two's relationship was "beyond repair" and Freeman wanted out. Following the loss to the New Orleans Saints, Freeman denied the report and said he was only focused on Tampa Bay.
"If it's going behind the scenes I need a new camp. I'm focused on being a Buccaneer," Freeman said, via Pewter Report.
Both Freeman and Schiano downplayed the idea that the off-the-field issues of last week were a factor in the loss on Sunday. Freeman finished the game going 9-of-22 for 125 yards and an interception. Mistakes caused Tampa Bay to lose the game. Schiano said blame did not fall on just the offense in this game.
If Freeman does not improve soon, the team will likely not hesitate to sit him. Schiano says the 25-year-old will be starting Week 3 for the team. The quarterback might have the vote of confidence for now, but rookie Mike Glennon is waiting in the wings and ready to step up.
Freeman will make $8.43 million in 2013. After that, it is unclear what his future holds. If he can find a way to drastically improve, Tampa Bay might offer him an extension. However, if his relationship with Schiano is as bad as some say, it might not matter how Freeman plays, he could be out at the end of the year no matter what.