Kim Klement-USA TODAY Sports
When the Tampa Bay Buccaneers released Josh Freeman on Thursday, the Oakland Raiders were immediately named as a team that could be interested in signing the veteran quarterback.
While the Raiders didn’t immediately seem like the most logical landing spot for the troubled passer, it’s starting to look like the silver and black could seriously consider signing Freeman.
The biggest factor playing into the potential partnership between Oakland and Freeman is the presence of offensive coordinator Greg Olsen, who has a history with the former Buccaneers quarterback. Olsen coached in Tampa Bay during Freeman’s first three NFL seasons, including the year when people thought he had taken the next step towards being a franchise passer. Olsen clearly likes Freeman, and doesn’t seem to mind the idea of bringing him to Oakland.
“I’ve always been a fan of Josh as a person and a player,” Olsen said. “I’ve always had the utmost respect for him. I think he’s a great player.”
If the Raiders were to sign Freeman, he would likely fill in as the No. 2 passer behind breakout star Terrelle Pryor. Especially after replacing train wreck Matt Flynn with undrafted rookie Matt McGloin at the backup spot, Oakland could definitely use some extra insurance at the No. 2 spot. The competition that Freeman would bring would also push Pryor to get better.
When head coach Dennis Allen was asked about the Raiders potentially signing Freeman, he simply responded, “I don’t know.”
It’s not a sure thing, but Freeman signing with the Raiders is starting to make quite a bit of sense. If Olsen has any say on the matter, the former first-round pick could be in silver and black sooner rather than later.
Gil Alcaraz IV is the Content Planner for www.RantSports.com. Follow him on Twitter @GilAlcarazIV, like him on Facebook or add him to your network on Google.
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