Seahawks not 'pursuing' Cam with Russell Wilson sidelined?

Brian Fluharty-USA TODAY Sports

Report: Seahawks not 'pursuing' Cam Newton with Russell Wilson sidelined

By Zac Wassink | Last updated 10/18/21

Less than 24 hours after the Seattle Seahawks fell to 2-4 on the season via Sunday's prime-time loss at the Pittsburgh Steelers, Seattle coach Pete Carroll admitted the team spoke with free agent and 2015 NFL Most Valuable Player Cam Newton about filling in for the injured Russell Wilson, who is set to miss at least a month after having surgery to repair an injury to the middle finger on his throwing hand.

According to NFL insider Josina Anderson, the Seahawks aren't close to signing Newton:

My understanding is that the #Seahawks are not imminently pursuing QB Cam Newton, at this moment, per league source. The thinking right now is to stick with their current personnel.
— IG: JosinaAnderson (@JosinaAnderson) October 18, 2021

Currently, journeyman Geno Smith is atop Seattle's depth chart at quarterback. Smith completed 23-of-32 passes for 209 yards and a touchdown in Pittsburgh but committed a costly fumble in overtime that gifted the Steelers with a game-winning field goal:

TJ WATT FORCES THE FUMBLE. #HereWeGo

: #SEAvsPIT on NBC
: NFL app pic.twitter.com/SbUBpLy0qI
— NFL (@NFL) October 18, 2021

Newton was released by the New England Patriots on Aug. 31 and hasn't been attached to any other club since that transaction. The 32-year-old said this weekend he's fully vaccinated against COVID-19 after he missed five days of practice with New England in August because of what was called a "misunderstanding" of coronavirus-related health and safety protocols.

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