Former Tampa Bay Buccaneers quarterback Josh Freeman’s sudden signing with the Minnesota Vikings closes a strange and shameful chapter of football in Central Florida.
Freeman, whose Tampa Bay career began with great promise and good results recently ended with all the distinction of a dumpster fire, can resuscitate his career and image in a city that is desert thirsty for a competent quarterback to compliment all-world running back Adrian Peterson.
He comes with baggage. It was leaked by someone in the Bucs organization that Freeman was in the NFL’s substance abuse program after he mistakenly took Ritalin instead of Adderall to treat his ADHD. He was also fined twice by the team for recent behavior detrimental to the team.
However, with first-round bust Christian Ponder incurring the wrath of Viking nation for his consistently horrid play and spare-parts journeyman Matt Cassel as their top two options, the Vikings were willing to take a chance with Freeman. Freeman wins all the way around as he gets an opportunity to start over. He also gets to keep the remaining $6 million owed to him by the Bucs, plus get another $3 million, one-year deal with the Vikings. Nine million to come in as a backup. What a life.
Twitter offered mixed reviews, though the balance of the social media respondents judged the Freeman acquisition a positive. Take a look.
I will say this: If you had told me before the season that Josh Freeman would end up being our QB, I would not have been disappointed.
— Alex Glennon (@glenhoops) October 7, 2013
Josh Freeman is a great addition to our roster and gives us hope for a better season
— Josh (@SherMN_) October 7, 2013
Wow josh freeman to the vikings im not complaining
— CK (@KING6_) October 7, 2013
Vikings signed Josh Freeman! Hopefully we can do well so we can replace Ponder.
— Chris (@Jarlan23) October 7, 2013
Josh Freeman might be a good fit in MN. He may just need a new playbook to show his talents. #Vikings
— Justin Nelson (@YungManAllen23) October 7, 2013
Why do I have this feeling Josh Freeman is going to be the next Tavares Jackson for the Vikes…. Haha
— Riley Pratt (@jrpratt21) October 7, 2013
In the #NFL you get fired and collect a $6M contract from your former employer, but you also get $3M signing as a backup QB. #JoshFreeman
— Bob Keil (@BobKeil) October 7, 2013
Josh Freeman is not the answer
— TG (@Tgallz) October 7, 2013
Josh Freeman to the Vikes! Thank god I’ll never have to watch Ponder throw another pick..
— david ziebarth (@david_ziebarth) October 7, 2013
NFL Wesseling: Christian Ponder on thin ice after Josh Freeman deal https://t.co/1vQJDJeIhN
— FantasyLeagueGM.com (@JOBOOZOSO) October 7, 2013
Josh Freeman is now a Viking. We finally have a QB! Or do we….
— Keith Groeneweg (@KGVikings) October 7, 2013
