Rookie Josh Freeman Named Bucs Starting Quarterback

TAMPA | Since the very first day they drafted him, the Tampa Bay Buccaneers have called rookie quarterback Josh Freeman the quarterback of the future.

On Wednesday, the Bucs announced the future is now.

Freeman will be the starting quarterback for the Bucs when the team takes on the Green Bay Packers on Nov. 8 at Raymond James Stadium.

“No discredit to what Josh Johnson has done for this football team,” said coach Raheem Morris. “He went out there and gave his best efforts. But due to the preparation, the timing, how we want to implement the young man to our system, to our organization, to our town, to our community, we think it’s best coming off the bye with the most time to prepare…it’s time for a little Josh Freeman.”

Freeman will be the third quarterback in the first eight games for Tampa Bay, who, at 0-7, is still looking for its first win of the season. Veteran Byron Leftwich started the first three games of the season before giving way to second-year quarterback Josh Johnson. Now, it’s Freeman’s time. He will be the first rookie to start at quarterback for the Bucs since Bruce Gradkowski in 2006.

Johnson completed 63-of-125 passes for 685 yards, four touchdowns and eight interceptions. In his debut in the fourth quarter against New England, Freeman completed 2-of-4 passes for 16 yards. He was also sacked twice.

“It’s definitely something I’ve been working toward,” Freeman said. “It’s finally going to be great to get an opportunity to step out there and do something.

“I’ve learned a lot,” he said. “I’ve had the opportunity to watch it from a different point of view and see things unfold. I feel like I’ve really grown as a passer and also as a leader on this team.”

The original plan was to have Freeman sit this season and learn behind Leftwich. But injuries and the team’s poor performance scrapped that idea.

“Hopefully, the vet will get you a bunch of wins but that didn’t happen,” Morris said. “(Freeman’s) development, his progression, how he’s come along is what happened.”

Note: Team signed rookie fullback Chris Pressley from the Cincinnati Bengals practice squad. Team also signed defensive end Maurice Evans to the practice squad.