The Tampa Bay Buccaneers continue to stress that quarterback Josh Freeman's job as a starter is not in jeopardy. However, ever since the team drafted Mike Glennon in the third round, a lot of speculation has been flying about Freeman's future win Tampa. Head coach Greg Schiano is voicing his support over the fifth-year starter and insists that he is not playing for his job, but more for a new contract.
While Freeman has not been terrible, but drafting Glennon instead of bringing in a veteran to backup the starter shows that Tampa Bay might not have the quarterback in their long-term team plans. Freeman struggled at the end of 2012. He threw just two touchdown passes and nine interceptions in the final three games. However, he did set team records throwing 4,065 yards and 27 touchdowns all together. Those are numbers most teams would love from their starting quarterback. Yet, finishing with a 7-9 record is not helping his job security.
Schiano had said that before the 2013 season, every position would be evaluated. This caused many to believe Freeman could be shown the door soon. The head coach is trying to reiterate that Freeman is in fact the starting quarterback and no one else.
"But we have our starting quarterback. It's Josh Freeman. I'm not looking to find a new one, but I do like to have quality depth at every position. When you get that, just naturally these are the most competitive guys on the planet, and it raises everybody's level," Schiano said.
Freeman is currently in the final year of his rookie contract he signed as the 17th overall pick in 2009. He is set to make $8.43 million in 2013. There is a lot of pressure on the young quarterback to prove he deserves that money. Freeman knows Glennon is hot on his heels.
"That's the way it works on any team. You want to have the best, most talented team you can possibly have. They feel like, and it's obviously true, that Mike is a very talented player. You want the best possible options behind you," Freeman said.
2013 will likely be a make-or-break year for Freeman. While he is on the right track as far as individual stats go, he is not leading the Buccaneers to success. If he can prove to be a more consistent quarterback and improve the team overall, he will get the desired contract extension he seeks.
