Tampa Bay Times journalist and 620 WDAE host Rick Stroud wrote an article in Sunday's paper breaking down the Bucs' options when it comes to quarterback Josh Freeman's contractual future.

Freeman is about to enter his fifth season as Tampa Bay's signal caller and although the former first round draft pick set franchise records both for passing yards in a season (4,065) and passing touchdowns (27), the Kansas City native may not be the quarterback head coach Greg Schiano is eyeing as the Buccaneers move forward.

According to Stroud, the Bucs will not discuss extending Freeman's contract in the offseason, thus allowing his rookie deal to expire after 2013. If Freeman plays well, Tampa Bay will use the franchise tag on the former Kansas State QB and try to sign Freeman to a long-term deal. If he does not play well and the Bucs miss the playoffs next season, which would be the sixth-straight year without postseason play, Freeman likely would be gone.

Schiano inherited Freeman from Raheem Morris - who drafted him 17th overall in 2009 - and has no loyalty or ties to the 6-6 gunslinger, and may be looking to replace Freeman with a quarterback of his choosing.

If Freeman fails to reach expectations and lead the Bucs to the playoffs in 2013, especially if offensive coordinator Mike Sullivan stays in Tampa Bay, Freeman may not only be out of excuses, Stroud writes, but out of time.