MONTREAL — Josh Freeman has removed himself from the running to be the Montreal Alouettes’ starting quarterback, after the team announced Saturday morning he has retired.

“We would like to thank Josh for his work and dedication. He was a consummate professional throughout camp,” said Alouettes General Manager Kavis Reed. “We respect his decision and we wish him the best in the future.”

Freeman started 61 games as a quarterback in the NFL from 2009 to 2015, mainly with the Tampa Bay Buccaneers until 2013. He then played with the Minnesota Vikings and the Indianapolis Colts.

In three seasons as a starter with the Buccaneers between 2010 and 2012, the 30-year-old quarterback completed 943 of his 1,583 passes good for 11,108 yards and 48 touchdowns.

Freeman’s departure narrows the Alouettes’ quarterback competition down to four, with Drew Willy and Matthew Shiltz considered the favourites. Antonio Pipkin and Garrett Fugate are also in the running.