Former Buccaneers QB Josh Freeman retires

Former first-round draft pick Josh Freeman retired after attempting a comeback in the Canadian Football League.

Freeman spent most of his NFL career with the Tampa Bay Buccaneers, who drafted him in 2009. He sought to continue his playing career with the Montreal Alouettes of the CFL, who made the announcement Saturday.

"We would like to thank Josh for his work and dedication. He was a consummate professional throughout camp," Montreal Alouettes general manager Kavis Reed said in a statement. "We respect his decision and we wish him the best in the future."

Freeman threw for more than 4,000 yards in 2012 and started 59 games over five seasons with Tampa Bay.

The Buccaneers released him in October 2013 after the relationship between the player and the team soured, and Freeman played with the Minnesota Vikings, New York Giants, Miami Dolphins and Indianapolis Colts over the rest of his career.

In 62 NFL games, Freeman completed 57.6 percent of his passes for 13,873 yards, 81 touchdowns and 68 interceptions. He has a career passer rating of 77.6.