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Josh Freeman agrees to a one-year deal with the New York Giants

The New York Giants are giving Josh Freeman another chance to salvage his NFL career.

According to ESPN’s Adam Caplan, Freeman signed a one-year deal with the Giants on Wednesday, which was confirmed by the quarterback's agent. Freeman is expected to be Eli Manning's backup this season.

Freeman began last season with the Tampa Bay Buccaneers, but was released after a rift with coach Greg Schiano. He eventually signed with the Minnesota Vikings, and it appeared Minnesota found a quarterback to replace Christian Ponder. However, Freeman struggled in his debut against the New York Giants in Week 7.

Freeman completed 20-of-53 passes for 190 yards and one interception during a 23-7 loss. Even though his lack of productivity could have been blamed on being thrown into the fire so quickly, Freeman was never given an opportunity to start in Minnesota again. The Vikings didn't pursue Freeman in free agency.

Prior to visiting the Giants, Freeman worked out with the Chicago Bears, but left without a contract. Caplan said the Green Bay Packers were also interested in Freeman.

Freeman, who was Tampa Bay's first-round pick (17th overall) in 2009 and is just 26 years old, has thrown for 13,724 yards, 80 touchdowns and 67 interceptions in his career. He was the third quarterback selected after Detroit's Matthew Stafford (No.1 overall) and New Jets' Mark Sanchez (fifth overall) in 2009, and he had 3,451 passing yards, 25 touchdowns and six interceptions with the Bucs in 2010. Freeman led Tampa Bay to a 10-6 record, but his team missed the playoffs.

New York is not interested in Freeman competing against Manning, but he could develop into a reliable backup with an entire offseason to learn the playbook.

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Anwar S Richardson

is a writer for Shutdown Corner on Yahoo Sports. Have a tip? Email him at NFLAnwar@yahoo.com or follow him on Twitter!