Eight to 10 teams contacted Freeman
Free-agent quarterback Josh Freeman was contacted by eight to 10 teams since his release from the Tampa Bay Buccaneers last week and he has narrowed the list to three potential suitors, CBSSports.com reported Sunday.
Freeman is expected to choose a team by Monday.
The Oakland Raiders are believed to be the favorite, according to NFL.com. The Buffalo Bills and San Francisco 49ers are also reportedly interested. However, Freeman likely will not choose San Francisco because he wants to start.
The Cleveland Browns, Arizona Cardinals and Green Bay Packers are reportedly not interested in Freeman.
Freeman may pick the Raiders because he is familiar with offensive coordinator Greg Olson.
Since Freeman is still owed more than $6 million by the Buccaneers, he is more interested in the scope of the opportunity, the stability and quality of the coaching staff and the amount of interest from the team than financial considerations, according to the CBS report.
Potential deals could be laced with incentives based on how he performs.
The NFL Players Association is still investigating last week's leaks about Freeman's participation in the league's drug program. The NFLPA has said that Bucs coach Greg Schiano had at least one conversation with Freeman about his drug status, as Freeman decided to be tested at the team facility because of convenience and he said he had nothing to hide. Schiano last week vehemently denied that he leaked the information. The union also alleges that team employees voluntarily gave information to the press about Freeman.
The NFLPA is also appealing fines given to Freeman by the Bucs before they released him. The Bucs fined Freeman for allegedly being late to meetings and for having an "unauthorized" interview with ESPN.
