The Bucs still seem to be in favor of giving rookie Josh Freeman every shot of winning the starting QB job over vets Byron Leftwich and Josh McCown. The one problem with that is Freeman is unsigned, and if he knows he’s going to be the starter, that very well could up his price when it comes to getting him a deal.
Bucs QB coach Greg Olson says that he has no issues with giving Freeman every shot to be the starter come opening day. “If he can show he’s progressing as far as the decisionmaking goes, then shoot, why not?” Olson said when the subject of Freeman starting as a rookie was broached. ”He’s comfortable in there. He throws a great ball. He’s accurate, and if he’s not turning the ball over, then gosh, maybe he will be ready to play.”
One has to also wonder how that is going to effect Leftwich and McCown, two players that eyed the starting job. Leftwich came to Tampa from Pittsburgh with every intention of getting the starting job, but he may have to play second fiddle to the rookie if Freeman continues to make the fast track towards starting.
The big thing now is getting Freeman signed. If your his agent, Ken Kremer, dollar signs must pop in your head when you hear Olson make comments like he made. For Freeman, it’s about staying on track and being a good learner in camp – that is if he’s even there.