All-Time Buccaneers QBs Ranked: Brady #1, Johnson #2

Josh Freeman

Retired 7 Years In The NFL
🏆 | statleague = NFL
Josh's
HAIR
17.8
HeyTC AI Rating

Questions about Josh Freeman or the Buccaneers?

Josh Freeman Legacy

HEYTC AI
Josh Freeman, the towering 6'6" gunslinger from Kansas State's gridiron frontier, burst onto the NFL scene as Tampa Bay's 2009 first-round savior, becoming the youngest QB in franchise history to win his debut and stunning the 13-1 Saints in overtime that December. What made him special? That cannon arm and dual-threat grit, torching records with 4,000+ yards and 27 TDs in 2011 while leading the Bucs to 10 wins, his chemistry with Mike Williams pure poetry. A classic what-if tale—poised for stardom, then bounced around leagues—Freeman's legacy endures as Tampa's fleeting prince of promise.

Josh Freeman Rating Breakdown

Season
Subpar
Fantasy
Good
Playoffs
Non-Factor
Overall
NPC
5 years with the Buccaneers

Josh Freeman Career Stats via Wikipedia

13,873 Pass Yards
81 Touchdowns
68 INTs
57.6% Comp %
17.8 HAIR

Frequently Asked Questions About Josh Freeman

How does Baker Mayfield compare to Josh Freeman?

Baker Mayfield's got the Bucs gig now, but Josh Freeman's the real measuring stick—club records in TDs (81), yards (13,873), and that cannon arm lighting up 2012 with 4,065 yards. Baker's scrappier, thrives in shootouts like Freeman's peak, yet Freeman's raw size and deep ball zip feel like a taller Jameis with better picks. Legacy? Freeman owns Tampa's QB history Baker's chasing.

Is Josh Freeman in the Pro Football Hall of Fame?

Nah, Josh Freeman's not in Canton—no bust waiting for the Hall's shiny shelf. Guy torched the Bucs record book with 81 TDs and 13,873 yards, but his flameout after 2012 and journeyman hops (Vikings, Giants, Dolphins, Colts) killed the buzz. Solid starter, not immortal—think peak Steve McNair lite, without the ring or endless elite years.

What is Josh Freeman doing now in 2026?

In 2026, Freeman's grinding to claw back into the NFL, staying ripped and scheming football gigs per Bucs insiders. Retired since 2018 after that CFL tease, he's no broadcaster or suit—just a 6'6" ex-cannon plotting a comeback like Randall Cunningham's late dashes. At 38, arm's still alive; keep an eye, Tampa might need depth.

How would Josh Freeman perform in today's NFL?

Freeman would feast in today's pass-happy NFL—those 2010-12 seasons with 25-27 TDs, low picks, and a rocket for 50-yarders scream Mahomes-lite under no-pass-rush rules. His 6'6" frame and mobility dodge modern pockets better than his era's thugs allowed. Bucs went 10-6 behind him; now? Pro Bowl chatter, easy 4,500-yard guy.

How does Josh Freeman compare to Shaun King?

Freeman edges Shaun King as Bucs franchise QBs, but damn, that 17.76 player rating vs. King's 30.98 screams King's Super Bowl magic (those '99 heroics) over Freeman's volume stats. Freeman piled 13k yards and 81 TDs; King was surgical in spots but fleeting. Both one-hit wonders—Freeman's the taller, stronger boom-or-bust brother.