We’ve been keeping an eye on the Raiders when it comes to Josh Freeman, for a variety of reasons. First, the current regime has whiffed twice on quarterback acquisitions. Second, Raiders offensive coordinator Greg Olson recently has raved about Freeman; the two men worked together for three years in Tampa. Third, it feels like a Raiders thing to do.
Rick Stroud of the Tampa Bay Times reports that the Raiders indeed have a “definite interest” in Freeman.
It’s unclear when or how (or if) the Raiders would make their move. They play late tonight (11:35 p.m. ET), and then travel to Kansas City on Sunday. The bye week comes after that, which would give Freeman two weeks to get ready to contribute.
The most obvious question regarding Freeman and the Raiders is whether Freeman wants to be a member of the team. With the Broncos, Chiefs, and Chargers in the division, Freeman most likely won’t have anything to tell his former head coach to stick in his trophy case at the end of the 2013 season.
Then comes the question of whether it would be a one-year arrangement or a multi-year deal. The Raiders don’t really have the cap room to give Freeman a big-money contract. And Freeman’s leverage right now isn’t as high as it could be in January.
And what about Terrelle Pryor? He has become a fan favorite, but the team is only 1-3. Would he be benched, traded, or cut if Freeman comes to town?
Whether Pryor or Matt Flynn (who has $6.5 million guaranteed this year) or Matt McGloin, someone presumably would have to go if Freeman arrives.