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Josh Freeman wants release from Buccaneers barring trade

Josh Freeman wants out of Tampa, and the method doesn't matter to him.

By Sander Philipse
Jeff Griffith-US PRESSWIRE

According to Jay Glazer of Fox Sports 1, the Josh Freeman will ask the Tampa Bay Buccaneers to release him if they can't find a trade partner. Freeman told Josina Anderson of ESPN that he was angry and frustrated with the decision to bench him in favor of Mike Glennon.

The drama revolving around Josh Freeman feels like a very messy breakup at this point. With reports of Freeman missing team meetings and being banned from the sidelines, the Bucs aren't doing much to minimize the drama, but neither party is handling this with much grace. A quick divorce seems to be likely, and the Bucs are expected to work with Freeman to find a trade partner. That's easier said than done, however.

One issue for the Buccaneers is that Freeman's salary as a veteran is effectively guaranteed, and he has around $6.4 million left after today's game. That means that a release would get the Bucs nothing in return for the quarterback, while they would still have to eat his salary. Keeping him on the roster would perhaps get them a minor compensatory draft pick in 2015, but even that is doubtful. Simply getting him off the roster to end this drama may be more beneficial.

Only a few teams can afford to take on that salary in trade, and the Bucs may have to take on part of that salary to get a trade done. The Packers and Vikings have been mentioned as potential trade partners, and the upcoming bye week would be a logical time for him to move on from the Tampa Bay Buccaneers.

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