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The Seahawks inquired about free-agent quarterback Cam Newton after Russell Wilson suffered a finger injury in a Week 5 loss to the Rams.
“Just so you know, we have talked to him,” Seattle head coach Pete Carroll said Monday in an interview with 710 ESPN. “We’re talking to everybody that could help us.”
Newton, who recently got vaccinated, was released by the Patriots before the season after losing a quarterback battle with rookie Mac Jones — the Alabama product selected 15th overall by the Patriots in the 2021 NFL Draft.
Carroll confirmed the team spoke with Newton a day after the quarterback said in a video he’s received offers from teams after his August release.
In the video, posted to his YouTube channel on Sunday, Newton said, “Hell yeah I still want to play football,” explaining, “I still get that urge to go out and perform and do something that I’ve been doing since I was 7 years old.”
Newton went on to say the situation “has to be right” for him to agree to a deal. “I’m just waiting waiting on the right opportunity,” he added.
The 2015 MVP also confirmed he has been vaccinated against COVID-19, calling it a “personal decision.” He explained that he was initially “reluctant” to get vaccinated because “the side effects weren’t beneficial to me” while playing in the NFL.
Before the Patriots released the 32-year-old, he missed three practices due to a “misunderstanding” of COVID-19 protocol, according to the team. New England head coach Bill Belichick later addressed the situation and said Newton’s vaccination status was not considered in the team’s decision to release him.
Carroll did not explain the details of Seattle’s conversation with Newton.
Wilson underwent surgery on his right middle finger Friday, and the Seahawks subsequently placed Wilson on IR, meaning he will miss at least three games. The earliest he could return is in Week 10, when Seattle visits Green Bay.
Geno Smith is the current starting quarterback in place of Wilson. On Sunday night against the Steelers, he completed 23 of 32 passes for 209 yards and a touchdown, though his late fumble was key in the Seahawks’ 23-20 loss.
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