Tampa Bay Buccaneers quarterback Josh Freeman has had an inconsistent start to his career since being drafted 17th overall out of Kansas State.
Freeman has never passed for more than 27 touchdowns in a season, and has 54 career interceptions in 4 NFL seasons. Freeman will need to have a monster 2013 season and prove that he can be a top-tier quarterback if he wants to receive a big money contract.
The Tampa Bay Times is reporting that Freeman will essentially be playing for big money this season, because the Bucs have no intentions of entertaining a contract extension at this time.
If Freeman has a great season he still won’t get a big money deal, he will though get the Bucs franchise tag which will be at about $17 million.
If he plays poorly again, he may get a small deal, or the Buccaneers may allow Freeman to walk as a free agent. Bucs head coach Greg Schiano reportedly has no intentions of giving Freeman the big money deal the Jets gave Mark Sanchez last season.
Freeman is essentially playing his own game of lottery, and it would behoove him to match his production from the 2010 season when he passed for over 3,700 yards, had 25 touchdowns and only 6 interceptions.