On Sunday, free-agent quarterback Cam Newton released a YouTube video in which he said he had been vaccinated for COVID-19 and that he still wanted to play in the NFL.
“Hell yeah I still want to play football,” Newton said. “I still get that urge to go out and perform and do something that I’ve been doing since I was seven years old.”
Newton added that he has been getting offers from various teams but the situation “has to be right.”
Of course, that decision comes from the other side as well and it looks like at least two NFL teams have kicked the tires on Newton but decided not to make any moves just yet.
According to NFL insider Josina Anderson, the Washington Football Team considered bringing in Newton to add some spark alongside struggling Taylor Heinicke but ultimately didn’t think it was the best move right now.
My understanding is that the Washington Football Team will continue to work with the quarterbacks on its roster (Heinicke, Allen, Fitzpatrick [hip]) with respect to Cam Newton's availability & new vaccination status, at this time, per league source.
— JosinaAnderson (@JosinaAnderson) October 19, 2021
“My understanding is that the Washington Football Team will continue to work with the quarterbacks on its roster (Heinicke, Allen, Fitzpatrick [hip]) with respect to Cam Newton’s availability & new vaccination status, at this time, per league source,” Anderson reported.
Meanwhile, a lot of people have been wondering if the Seattle Seahawks might consider bringing in Newton given that Russell Wilson is injured. Even if Wilson returned soon, Newton could be a good insurance policy. Right now, Geno Smith is the backup.
Seahawks coach Pete Carroll said on Monday that the team has had conversations with Newton, per ESPN.com. However, Tom Pelissero reported on Tuesday that while the two sides will continue keeping in touch, there won’t be a signing just yet.
The #Seahawks will keep tabs on Cam Newton, but nothing has materialized as of now. They’re putting their faith in Geno Smith, and awaiting Russell Wilson’s return in the coming weeks. Meanwhile, #Browns QB Baker Mayfield’s status for Thursday night remains TBD. @nflnetwork @gmfb pic.twitter.com/kSvb87UcNn
— Tom Pelissero (@TomPelissero) October 19, 2021
“The Seahawks will keep tabs on Cam Newton, but nothing has materialized as of now. They’re putting their faith in Geno Smith, and awaiting Russell Wilson’s return in the coming weeks,” said Pelissero.
And so, Cam continues to wait for another chance. The 32-year-old is certainly still capable of running an NFL offense and the 2015 NFL MVP wants the opportunity to prove it.
