The offseason began with speculation and reports that Greg Schiano did not see Josh Freeman as the Tampa Bay Buccaneers' long-term answer at quarterback.
In the months since, Schiano has done his best to shoot down that line of thinking. The coach has spoken positively about Freeman's progress, and he did it again Monday when NFL Network's Andrew Siciliano asked Schiano who his quarterback is.
Brooks: Extreme makeover in Tampa
Bucky Brooks says the Buccaneers are primed to contend for the NFC South title after revamping a woeful secondary. **More ...**
"We only have one," Schiano said on "NFL Total Access." "It's Josh Freeman."
The Bucs selected Mike Glennon in the third round of the 2013 NFL Draft, but it has become apparent there will be no quarterback battle come training camp.
"I believe in competition, and Mike Glennon is going to be a tremendous quarterback in his time," Schiano said. "But we have a quarterback, it's Josh Freeman. He had a really good spring. I think it's really coming together, being in this system for a second year now and hearing the things over again after being able to study it, I'm really encouraged.
"I know Mike Sullivan, our offensive coordinator, he's encouraged. We're looking forward to big things. Josh is going to have a big year."
It's put up or shut up time for Freeman, who is entering the final year of his contract and probably will be elsewhere next year if he doesn't develop into a more consistent player. The Bucs are playoff sleepers if Freeman can find the type of success he enjoyed earlier in his career. Schiano still believes he can bring that out of his "only" QB.
Follow Dan Hanzus on Twitter @DanHanzus.
