QB Josh Freeman to work out with Jon Gruden

Former first-rounder Josh Freeman is working to get back into the NFL. (USATSI)

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When the Buccaneers drafted Josh Freeman 17th overall in 2009, then-coach Raheem Morris compared the Kansas St. quarterback to Ben Roethlisberger. But after a strong sophomore season in which Freeman threw 25 touchdowns and six interceptions, his NFL career has been plagued my mediocrity.

Things came to a head last October, when the Bucs released Freeman. He then signed with the Vikings, had one forgettable start against the Giants, and spent the rest of the season on the sidelines.

This offseason, the Vikings let Freeman walk and the Giants signed him to a deal. That lasted a grand total of six weeks, and now Freeman is out of work. But he has a plan. Details via Gil Brandt, NFL.com analyst and former Cowboys vice president of player personnel:

Attempting to get career back on track, Josh Freeman will work out w/ Jon Gruden next weej and QB guru Terry Shea the week after.

— Gil Brandt (@Gil_Brandt) June 16, 2014

While Gruden and Shea know something about what it takes to be an NFL quarterback, the question with Freeman was less about his physical skills and more about everything else.

In the days leading up to his release from Tampa, he had reportedly been fined twice by the team and the club was looking to suspend him. There were accusations by Freeman's agent that the Bucs leaked confidential information, and Freeman asked to be traded -- and the team was trying to oblige him -- before he was released.

But the problem then -- and now -- remains: What team would want Freeman given all the off-field baggage that follows him?

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Chiefs WR Dwayne Bowe is in the best shape of his life



Yep, it's about that time of year when stories such as this one bloom."Right now I'm about 210 (pounds), and I'm moving good, and I feel like I'm in the best shape of my life," Chiefs wide receiver Dwayne Bowe told the Kansas City Star on Thursday. "The way [OTAs have] been going, it's only going to get better."Head coach Andy Reid said: "I think Dwayne came back in phenomenal shape, that's one thing. It looks like it out here. He's really moving around well. Look forward to getting to camp where it actually counts, but he's in the right frame of mind."



It's nice to hear after Bowe has shown up to workouts in previous years in some form far away from tip-top. Bowe toned up with the help of a nutritionist and a personal trainer, and he said he's looking forward to being more of a leader on and off the field this year ... it's all very standard fare for mid-June. Bowe frustrated fantasy owners the past couple of seasons after posting some big numbers in 2010 and 2011 and failing to follow up. This year, you can't be frustrated if you draft Bowe. First of all, you're not drafting as anything more than a WR4, and expectations should be tamped down as long as risk-averse Alex Smith is under center. The Chiefs are trying to get him to throw down the field more often, but it's not as if Smith is going to turn into Jay Cutler overnight. I'll be surprised if Bowe reaches 900 yards this season. He turns 30 in August.