Josh Freeman Signing: Fresh start with Giants for ex-Bucs, Vikings quarterback

The New York Giants made the signing of free-agent quarterback Josh Freeman official on Monday. With Eli Manning having just undergone ankle surgery and likely unavailable for much of the spring Freeman not only gives the Giants an extra quarterback for the offseason but an experience former first-round pick who could end up earning the No. 2 job behind Manning.

Freeman, 26, seemed thrilled to have signed in time to take part in the offseason program.

"It's a big thing, getting on a team and getting in the offseason program," he said. "I'm learning the offense, working and trying to fill my role as best I can."

Freeman was the 17th overall selection by the Tampa Bay Buccaneers in 2009 and was their starter from midway through that season until a disastrous 2013 that saw him having a falling out with then-Bucs coach Greg Schiano, end up with the Minnesota Vikings, have one memorably awful start (20-of-53) for the Vikings vs. the Giants and never appear in another game.

"When you're in the thick of things you want to be a competitor, you want to play," he said. "But at the same time you want to have a chance to learn the system and things of that nature. As a competitor, it's just another experience to learn from. I took what I could from it and am moving forward.

"I don't really see that happening again as long as I'm playing. I expect to go out and when I play, play well. Last year was rough all around, but I'm happy to get a new start here and have an opportunity to be there for the Giants and see where it goes."