As Josh Freeman enters into his fifth season in the NFL, many believe he is on the hot seat with the Tampa Bay Buccaneers. He has yet to truly look like a full-time starter in the league and the Buccaneers have been in the market for some competition for him. Well, he got it as the team selected quarterback Mike Glennon in the third round of the NFL draft. He will now battle with Freeman as the potential starting quarterback, something head coach Greg Schiano welcomes.
At the moment, Schiano does not view Glennon as an immediate starter. He stressed that Freeman is the team's quarterback moving into the 2013 season and Glennon needs to work on grasping the team's system and playbook. However, he likes the idea of the two quarterbacks pushing each other and creating a little competition.
"Competition and quality depth across our roster is critical for us to be a championship team. I think that applies to every position. I'm looking forward to it; I think that's going to make us a better football team," Schiano said.
Glennon knows a thing or two about competition. He spent 2009 and 2010 as the backup for Russell Wilson before Wilson transferred to Wisconsin. Both Glennon and Wilson were third-round picks in their respective draft year and Glennon hopes he can follow in Wilson's footsteps in terms of success in the NFL. Winning the starting job in Tampa Bay might be hard to do, but if Freeman continues to struggle, Glennon might have a chance. The situation could get similar to how Wilson won the starting job in Seattle over Matt Flynn.
Last season, Freeman threw for 4,065 yards, 27 touchdowns and 17 interceptions. It is the interceptions number that has most people worried about his future with the team. Glennon led the ACC last season, throwing for 4,031 yards total. He average 310.1 yards per game, throwing for a total of 31 touchdowns. At 6'6, 220 pounds, he has the build and arm strength to be successful in the NFL.
The quarterback competition could get interesting in Tampa Bay. The two quarterbacks will certainly push each other and someone will emerge as the starter. While Schiano says Freeman is the team's starting quarterback, this is the NFL and if he struggles they will not hesitate to give Glennon a shot.
