New York Giants Release Quarterback Josh Freeman

Josh Freeman’s return to relevance has been put on hold again.

This offseason, the New York Giants signed the former Vikings and Buccaneers quarterback in hopes that he would be the backup for the struggling Eli Manning.  Instead, Freeman found himself released again.

The Giants had a waiver claim in on offensive tackle Rogers Gaines, formerly of the Chicago Bears.  In order to make room for Gaines on the Giants roster, they released Josh Freeman.

Here is the official tweet from the New York Giants Twitter account:

Dec 8, 2013; Baltimore, MD, USA; Minnesota Vikings quarterback Josh Freeman (12) warms up in the snow prior to the game against the Baltimore Ravens at M&T Bank Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Mitch Stringer-USA TODAY Sports

This really isn’t good news for the future of Josh Freeman in the NFL.  After the reports of his work ethic and attitude in Tampa Bay and his dismal performance in Minnesota, this could be the last straw for the former “franchise” quarterback of the Buccaneers.

It is even worse news for the New York Giants, who find only Curtis Painter and Ryan Nassib as the remaining quarterbacks left to back up Eli Manning.  While Freeman is a bigger name than either of those passers, it is discouraging to see him discarded at this point in the preseason.  They could see themselves going to Painter as the backup, which isn’t a very solid plan to go into the season with.

A lot of teams are still struggling to find a solid backup quarterback, but I would be surprised to see a team take another chance on Josh Freeman this year.  I personally hope Freeman takes this year off and works hard to get mentally and physically ready to compete for a job next year.