Auburn football: What’s next for Cam Newton in free agency post-vaccination?
Auburn football legend Cam Newton is doing everything he possibly can to ensure his NFL career won’t end with the former NFL MVP and Heisman winner losing the New England Patriots starting QB job to Mac freaking Jones.
Newton has taken the COVID-19 vaccine and is now a serious option for many teams who might not have considered him otherwise.
So, what’s next for Newton in free agency now that his seemingly biggest hurdle has now been cleared?
Auburn football legend Cam Newton seems likely to join the Seattle Seahawks
The Tigers QB–who single-handedly lifted the 2010 Auburn football program to unmatched heights in its history as a Heisman winner leading them to an undefeated national championship-winning season–should have several options, but the Seattle Seahawks seem likely to be his next destination.
One team seemingly in denial about their own situation is the Washington Football Team, who is unwilling to consider Newton even with Taylor Heinicke as their starter:
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
Perhaps sentimental value wins out here after Heinicke almost upset the eventual Super Bowl LV Champion Tampa Bay Buccaneers. WFT could also be waiting out the return of Ryan Fitzpatrick, and don’t want a strong personality like Newton coming in and taking over the position. Bill Belichick cut Newton because of the attention he draws as a polarizing personality.
Either way, they’re out. As are the Miami Dolphins, who appear set on completing a deal with the Houston Texans for Deshaun Watson.
The Seahawks are clearly in the running, as head coach Pete Carroll revealed on 710 ESPN radio in Seattle:
Pete Carroll to me on Cam Newton: "Just so you know, we have talked to him. We're talking to everybody that could help us."
— Mike Salk, Seattle Sports (@TheMikeSalk) October 18, 2021
Cam did say teams have been calling but he wants the right fit.
Listen to the entire interview with Pete here: https://t.co/RYEtkd2OM7
Newton is a mobile QB just like Russell Wilson, who could be out until Week 10. FanSided’s Aryanna Prasad pointed out that how they get their offense is different, though, with Newton collecting his rushing yards from designed run plays and Wilson acquiring his from scrambling out of broken passing plays.
Still, Geno Smith is no reason to stick with the status quo. Sign Cam Newton, Seattle Seahawks…you’ll be better off for it.