Josh Freeman has a lot to prove in 2013. If the quarterback wants a contract extension, the Tampa Bay Buccaneers are going to make him earn every cent of it. Freeman was originally drafted to be the face of the franchise, but has struggled some with consistency issues. While he does not lack for talent, he has failed to show it off every game. Entering the final year of his rookie contract, Tampa Bay is not planning any more contract negotiations until after the season.
General manager Mark Dominik told WDAE-AM over the weekend that the team is cutting off all contract talks until the end of the 2013-14 season.
"I think there's just a comfort level that everybody understands where Josh Freeman's going," Dominik said. "Let's focus on this season, and then, we'll go after the season's over."
Freeman will earn $8.4 million in the final contract year and an extension has been one of the biggest issues looming over training camp. To eliminate the distractions, Dominik is setting the record straight and ending all discussions.
Freeman could easily profit big time next summer if he has a monster year like he is planning. Freeman proved to be a talent back in 2010, passing for 3,451 yards and 25 touchdowns. However, he struggled the last two years, throwing 39 interceptions total. In 2012, his completion percentage dropped by eight points. The pressure is now on.
However, Freeman could find himself in a Joe Flacco situation next summer. If he puts up big numbers in 2013, he will be in the driver's seat to command more money than he likely would have made if the Buccaneers had signed him to a deal this summer. Freeman is ready to prove that he can bring the team big success and will get paid if he does so.
"It's the second year in this system. I feel that much more comfortable," Freeman said. "Last year was kind of a whirlwind, trying to pick up things and trying to learn them on the fly. This year I had an entire offseason to kind of go back, study and really take my game to the next level."
Freeman is not letting the circumstances hurt his confidence. The Buccaneers drafted Mike Glennon to backup Freeman and possibly take over the starting spot in a year, so the pressure is really there to perform. Freeman's teammates certainly have a lot of confidence that the quarterback can really step up this year. Vincent Jackson has taken notice of how comfortable Freeman looks this season and believes that will translate into wins.
"He's way more comfortable. You can see that already, his confidence on the field. It's fun to watch because he gets to let his physical tools take shape," Jackson said.
