Pete Carroll says Seahawks have spoken to Cam Newton: ‘We’re talking to everybody that could help us’

Cam Newton claimed recently that there are teams interested in signing him, but he is waiting for the “right opportunity” before signing with an NFL team. Now, an NFL team has confirmed that it has talked with Newton about a potential position.

That would be the Seahawks. Coach Pete Carroll explained to ESPN 710’s Mike Salk that Seattle has at least spoken to Newton since Russell Wilson suffered a finger injury against the Rams.

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

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This revelation makes sense. Wilson is expected to be out four to six weeks because of the injury. And while Geno Smith has looked good in relief of Wilson for a game and a half, the Seahawks don’t have another proven veteran on the roster.

Jake Luton — a second-year player with an 0-3 record who has racked up 264 yards, two touchdowns and six interceptions while completing 54.5 percent of his passes — is currently Smith’s backup. Danny Etling, a practice squader, is their third-string quarterback. If the Seahawks aren’t yet confident in either of them, they could sign Newton and allow both extra time to develop.

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Of course, if Seattle falls out of contention with Wilson sidelined, adding Newton might not be the best option. And it’s unclear whether Newton views Seattle as the right fit for him, as there may not be a path to a long-term starting job if Wilson sticks around.

Regardless, this news is important because it shows that NFL teams still are interested in Newton, at least to a degree. That means he should eventually land on a roster, whether it’s during the 2021 NFL season or the upcoming offseason. Some team should sign him as a starter, temporary placeholder/bridge quarterback or a backup for the first time in his NFL career.

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Either way, Newton’s path back to the NFL has been made easier by his decision to get vaccinated against COVID-19. Why? Because he will no longer have to wait for five days to officially enter his new team’s facility. That is a requirement for unvaccinated players.