The Josh Freeman sweepstakes have kicked into high gear with the games getting underway on Sunday in Week 5.
Reportedly, Freeman has already talked to 10 teams since being released by the Tampa Bay Buccaneers with the Oakland Raiders emerging as the frontrunner for his services according to Scott Bair of CSNBayArea.com:
The Raiders are a frontrunner to sign quarterback Josh Freeman, according to reports. Freeman was released Thursday following a public rift with the Tampa Bay Buccaneers, and is looking for a team where he could start posthaste.
The Raiders have reportedly given him that option. NFL.com reports that Freeman has talked to 10 teams and that the Raiders are the lead dog.
With the Raiders witnessing Terrelle Pryor quickly turn into a legitimate starter under center this season, many have started to wonder why they’d want to bring in another quarterback into the mix in Oakland. The trade to acquired Matt Flynn from the Seattle Seahawks has turned out to be a disaster and the team is still recovering from making a deal for Carson Palmer back in 2011.
Despite the team’s failed attempts to bring in the right man under center over the past few years, the Raiders are still very much interested in signing Freeman. The connection to offensive coordinator Greg Olson may be a motivating factor in potentially signing Freeman. Olson was Freeman’s OC in Tampa Bay and has had nothing but high praise for the veteran quarterback.
Perhaps the most interesting part of the team’s interest in Freeman is reports of the Raiders potentially bringing him in to be the starter ahead of Pryor. Although Pryor is still rough around the edges and needs more to develop as a legitimate threat in the passing game, the avid fan base in Oakland and the coaching staff have been impressed by what he’s been able to do this season.
Regardless of the progress made by Pryor this season, the team is pursuing Freeman and if the price is right they’ll sign him. It may only be a matter of time before Freeman becomes the next quarterback outcast to suit up in Oakland.