Does Josh Freeman Have Leverage on the Bucs?

Perhaps rookie quarterback Josh Freeman has gained a position of leverage on the Tampa Bay Buccaneers.

It's an easy scenario to understand.

First and foremost, his agent is tough-guy Tom Condon. You really don't want to find yourself on the other side of the negotiating table from him. Condon was voted the most powerful agent in football by the Sporting News in 2006, thus we already know that Freeman is a pretty smart fellow just by hiring Condon.

Second, there is now the ongoing banter everywhere that Freeman is going to be solidly in the mix for the starting job when the Bucs open training camp in 38 days.

The latest testament to that is from The Tampa Tribune's Ira Kaufman who writes: "In some ways, this could be Freeman's job to lose..."

That in and of itself is most eye-opening. He goes back to Morris' relationship with Freeman when both were at K-State four years ago. Thus, Morris is perceived as Freeman's biggest supporter.

Guess who makes the final decision on Freeman? Ah, yes, a young head coach named Raheem.

With all this rhetoric flowing—including plenty of it on the television airwaves—Condon finds himself in a pretty good position when he begins to talk with Buccaneers GM Mark Dominik.

The Bucs have gotten the light work out of the way, as they've signed the two seventh rounders, Sammie Stroughter (WR) and E.J. Biggers (CB), the fifth pick, Xavier Fulton (OL), and their No. 4, Kyle Moore (DL).

Only two remain: Freeman and defensive-line beast Roy Miller of Texas.

Miller, the third-round pick, finds himself in a good place as well. He's already projected to get his share of playing time if all goes well in camp.

That leaves only the wonder boy, Freeman.

Sure, Freeman wants to play. No doubt he wants to start.

If a guy with the initials "RM" wants him to start, then no doubt Mr. Condon will play the "starters money" chip.

Who wouldn't?

If we were Freeman, we'd all want him to do that.

Now the countdown begins: 38 days. Mark Dominik vs. Tom Condon.

Stay tuned on that one.