Rookie quarterback Josh Freeman signs 5-year contract with Buccaneers

Buccaneers sign first-round pick Freeman

TAMPA, Fla. — Rookie quarterback Josh Freeman has signed with the Tampa Bay Buccaneers and will be given an opportunity to compete for the starting job.

Freeman was the 17th player selected in the draft following a standout career at Kansas State. He agreed to a five-year contract on Friday, the day before the start of training camp.

Although the Bucs had their sights on the future when they selected him, Freeman was impressive enough during offseason workouts that coach Raheem Morris has not ruled out the possibility of playing him right away.

The other quarterbacks competing for the No. 1 job are Luke McCown, Byron Leftwich and Josh Johnson.

Terms of Freeman’s deal were not announced. ESPN reported it is worth $36 million, including $10.245 million guaranteed.

Freeman, who entered the draft after his junior year, completed 59 percent of his passes for 8,078 yards and 44 touchdowns in three seasons at Kansas State. Also a threat to run, he had 20 TDs rushing.

The 21-year-old was the third quarterback selected in the draft behind Matthew Stafford and Mark Sanchez.

“I really have no expectations other than eventually being the starter. I don’t know if it’s going to be this year. I don’t know if it’s going to be next year, or when it’s going to be,” Freeman said in April. “All I’m going to do is come in and work as hard as I can and try to put myself in the best position to make this team better.”