Cam Newton reportedly now vaccinated amid hunt for NFL return

Former NFL MVP Cam Newton hasn't had success finding another team since his time with the New England Patriots ended unceremoniously in August. His recent decision to get vaccinated against COVID-19 may help his case for an NFL roster spot, though.

After starting at quarterback for the Patriots in 2020, Newton was released after preseason and rookie Mac Jones was named New England's starter. While Patriots coach Bill Belichick insisted Newton's vaccination status played no role in the decision, rules prohibit Belichick saying as much and Newton missed five days of training camp due to a COVID-19 testing mishap.

If teams avoided signing Newton as a backup due to the possibility that his vaccination status could cost him time, that snag has been rectified. According to NFL Network's Mike Garafolo, teams that have been in contact with Newton have been told that the quarterback is now vaccinated against COVID-19.

"Teams have been informed that Cam Newton is now vaccinated, so even if he came in he wouldn't have to wait five days before he works out or joins a roster," Garafolo said on Good Morning Football.

Newton, 32, struggled during his sole season with the Patriots and finished the year with just eight touchdown passes and 10 interceptions. 

One team currently in the market for a backup quarterback is the Seattle Seahawks, who recently placed Russell Wilson on the injured reserve. With Geno Smith set to start in Wilson's place, Seattle brought former Jacksonville Jaguars starting quarterback Blake Bortles in for a workout, but opted against signing him.