Giants' Josh Freeman: 'I still view myself as a starting-caliber quarterback'

Josh Freeman was selected by the Bucs in the first round of the 2009 NFL Draft. (Al Pereira/Getty Images) After a dismal 2013 campaign, 26-year-old QB Josh

Josh Freeman was selected by the Bucs in the first round of the 2009 NFL Draft. (Al Pereira/Getty Images)

After a dismal 2013 campaign, 26-year-old QB Josh Freeman said this week after signing a one-year contract with the Giants that he is still a "starting-caliber quarterback," but expressed his "love" for having the opportunity to play behind Eli Manning in New York, according to a report from Jordan Raanan from NJ.com.

The Bucs released Freeman last October amid a bad start to the season and a boiling relationship with Tampa Bay head coach Greg Schiano. He went on to start one game for the Vikings but his poor play in Minnesota compelled both sides to part ways.

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Freeman inked a one-year deal worth $795,000 with the Giants last week, but only $55,000 of it is guaranteed. He said he's excited to be in New York and learn from Manning, the two-time Super Bowl champion currently rehabbing from ankle surgery.

Whether he will ever get a starting gig again is uncertain, but Freeman thinks he still has it in him and is looking at being in New York as a "cool opportunity."

"I still view myself as a starting-caliber quarterback. I love the situation because I have the opportunity to be around a guy that really had a lot of success, year after year and continues to win and get his team to the playoffs consistently...It's a really, really cool opportunity."

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