Buccaneers: Former quarterback Josh Freeman joins CFL

By James Yarcho | Jan 13, 2018

TAMPA, FL - SEPTEMBER 15: Quarterback Josh Freeman of the Tampa Bay Buccaneers directs play against the New Orleans Saints September 15, 2013 at Raymond James Stadium in Tampa, Florida. (Photo by Al Messerschmidt/Getty Images) /

Former Tampa Bay Buccaneers quarterback Josh Freeman is getting another chance in the world of professional football, joining the Montreal Alouettes.

It’s been a wild ride for the Buccaneers’ first round pick in 2009. Josh Freeman was believed by many to be the team’s first franchise quarterback ever. Instead, he saw his career become derailed by rifts with coaches, poor personal decisions, and poor play on the field.

Freeman finished his Buccaneers career with 13,534 yards, 80 touchdowns, and 66 interceptions while carrying a 58.2% completion percentage. All signs pointed to a top tier player in his second season where he threw for 3,451 yards, 25 touchdowns, and a mere six interceptions.

Fast forward to 2013, Freeman started the season off poorly and was released in favor of Mike Glennon. Reports had surfaced of Freeman oversleeping and missing the team photo, being disengaged in meetings, and being more interested in the party scene., He was stripped of his status as team captain and the writing was on the wall.

More from Bucs News

After being released, Freeman played one game for the Minnesota Vikings in 2013 – a loss to the Giants on Monday Night Football – and he played in one game for the Indianapolis Colts in 2015 – a win over the Tennessee Titans. Now, he will join the Canadian Football League, signing a two year deal with the Montreal Alouettes. The deal was announced Friday, the day before Freeman’s 30th birthday.

The Alouettes finished 3-15 last season – dead last in the entire league – and Freeman will be in an open quarterback competition with former Tar Heels quarterback Darian Durant to see if he can help right the franchise and make them competitive in the CFL.

I personally never had anything against Freeman. I was disappointed that he didn’t succeed the way we all thought he could while in Tampa but never wished him ill will or hoped he would fail elsewhere. It will be interesting to see if his opportunity with Montreal will spark a potential NFL comeback or, if at the age of 30, he is simply just trying to continue playing the game he loves for the sheer joy of it.

Next: Clemson Tigers NFL Draft Prospects

Freeman’s first action will be May 31 in a preseason contest against the Ottawa Redblacks.