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Pete Carroll: Seahawks reached out to Cam Newton with Russell Wilson sidelined

jason owens
Staff writer
·2 min read
112

With Russell Wilson sidelined with a finger injury, the Seattle Seahawks have reached out to Cam Newton.

Head coach Pete Carroll made the revelation in an interview with 710 ESPN's Mike Salk on Monday.

"Just so you know, we have talked to him," Carroll said. "We're talking to everybody that could help us."

Carroll didn't provide any details of the talks or how seriously Seattle's considering making an offer to Newton, if at all.

Newton, 32, remains a free agent after being released by the New England Patriots prior to Week 1. The three-time Pro Bowler and 2015 league MVP started 15 games for the Patriots in 2020 after nine seasons as the Carolina Panthers' starting quarterback.

PHILADELPHIA, PA - AUGUST 19: Cam Newton #1 of the New England Patriots looks on against the Philadelphia Eagles in the preseason game at Lincoln Financial Field on August 19, 2021 in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania. The Patriots defeated the Eagles 35-0. (Photo by Mitchell Leff/Getty Images)
Cam Newton recently confirmed that he's been vaccinated against COVID-19, meaning he'd immediately be allowed to join an NFL roster. (Mitchell Leff/Getty Images)

Cam vaccinated, wants to play

Newton confirmed on his YouTube vlog on Sunday that he's been vaccinated against COVID-19 while proclaiming "hell yeah I still want to play football." Newton acknowledged his status amid speculation that not having taken a vaccine was hurting his chances in free agency.

NFL teams that experience outbreaks among unvaccinated players run the risk of forfeiting games if they can't field a team because of COVID-19. Being vaccinated also removes barriers to joining a roster. If he signs somewhere, Newton would immediately be granted access to team facilities because he's vaccinated.

Newton also said that "I've been getting offers" but "that it has to be right." Newton didn't mention the Seahawks or where the offers he claims are coming from.

Wilson injured a finger on his throwing hand in Week 5 against the Los Angeles Rams. He required surgery and was placed on injured reserve with a four-to-eight week timetable to return. He missed the first start of his 10-season NFL career in Sunday's Seahawks loss to the Pittsburgh Steelers.

Geno Smith started for Wilson in the 23-20 loss. It was his first start since 2017 and his third since he was a full-time starter for the New York Jets in 2014. He completed 23 of 32 passes for 209 yards with a touchdown, a lost fumble and no interceptions. He took five sacks. The Seahawks dropped to 2-4 and last place in the NFC West with the loss.