(Kim Klement- USA TODAY Sports Images)
On Thursday the Tampa Bay Buccaneers announced that they would be waiving quarterback Josh Freeman. This move came after months of reports that the relationship between Freeman and the team was deteriorating.
Here is a timeline to follow along just how things devolved between the team and their former franchise QB.
May 30 – Freeman says there is “no question” that the Buccaneers are his team, despite rumors of a troubled relationship between him and head coach Greg Schiano. Following a poor end to Freeman’s 2012 season, Schiano said that every position, including quarterback, would be evaluated in the offseason.
August 8 – Freeman begins the Buccaneers’ preseason as the team’s starting quarterback.
Tampa Bay Buccaneers quarterback Josh Freeman (5) calls out the signals at the line of scrimmage during the first half of an NFL preseason football game against the Baltimore Ravens in Tampa, Fla. (AP Photo/Phelan M. Ebenhack)
September 5 – Freeman loses his captaincy before the Buccaneers’ first regular season game when he is not voted one by his teammates. According to PFT, a players-only meeting later occurred where questions were raised as to whether or not the vote was legitimate, as Freeman had been a captain for the three previous years.
September 8 – Freeman starts against the New York Jets. He completes 48.4% of passes for 210 yards, one touchdown and one interception. The Bucs lose on a last-minute field goal, 18-17.
September 12 – Freeman confirms reports that he had slept through the team’s official photo the week before, which took place before captains were elected.
September 15 – Freeman starts against the New Orleans Saints. Completes 40.9% of his passes for 125 yards, again throws one touchdown and one pick. Finishes the day with a QB Rating of 56.1. The Buccaneers lose, 16-14.
September 16 – Freeman denies to press that he requested a trade.
September 22 – Freeman starts against the New England Patriots. Completes 46.3% of his passes for 236 yards, throws no touchdowns and one interception, finishing with a QBR of 54.5. The Buccaneers lose, 23-3.
New England Patriots defensive end Chandler Jones sacks Tampa Bay Buccaneers quarterback Josh Freeman during the first quarter at Gillette Stadium. (Stew Milne-USA TODAY Sports)
September 25 – Head coach Greg Schiano announces that he will bench Freeman, effectively ending Freeman’s tenure with the team. The Bucs begin looking for potential trade partners.
September 30 – ESPN’s Chris Mortensen reports that Freeman is a Stage 1 Participant in the NFL’s drug program.
September 30 – Freeman issues a statement regarding Mortensen’s report, explaining that he entered the program after a switch in his prescribed ADHD medication caused a positive test.
October 1 – Head coach Greg Schiano says he is “absolutely not” responsible for the leak regarding Freeman’s participation in the NFL’s drug program.
October 3 – After the team is unable to find a team willing to trade for their quarterback, the Buccaneers waive Freeman.
Looking back, it’s surprising how quickly things devolved. There were rumblings in the offseason, to be sure, but one missed team photo, a questionable captain’s vote, a few bad starts, and that was that. We will keep you posted on Freeman’s future as it develops.
