TAMPA, Fla. — Rookie quarterback Josh Freeman has signed with the Tampa Bay Buccaneers and will be given an opportunity to compete for the starting job.

Freeman was the 17th player selected in the draft following a standout career at Kansas State. He agreed to a five-year contract on Friday, the day before the start of training camp.

Freeman was impressive enough during offseason workouts that coach Raheem Morris has not ruled out the possibility of playing him right away.

The other quarterbacks competing for the No. 1 job are Luke McCown, Byron Leftwich and Josh Johnson.

Terms of Freeman's deal were not announced. ESPN reported it is worth $36 million, including $10.245 million guaranteed.