With the Los Angeles Chargers facing uncertainty at the quarterback position heading into the 2020 season, many are wondering the route the team could go to fill the void.
There’s been the projections of L.A. using an early draft pick on a signal-caller in mock drafts, signing a free agent like Tom Brady, but one outlet they could go that hasn’t been brought up in discussion is through a trade.
One notable quarterback that could be a hot commodity on the trading block is Panthers’ Cam Newton.
Knowing the Chargers will be in the market for someone to take over under center (if Philip Rivers isn’t re-signed) and Newton likely to garner attention via trade, The Athletic’s Sheil Kapadia sees this as a perfect pairing.
We’ll see whether Matt Rhule wants Newton back, but at this point, it seems likely he’s played his last game in Carolina. If Newton is available, and the Chargers move on from Rivers, he could make a lot of sense as their next quarterback. The Chargers were not as bad as their 5-11 record last year suggests. They were 2-9 in one-possession games. They’ve got a talented defense and can open their new stadium with the promise of Newton firing lasers to Keenan Allen and Mike Williams. Newton’s health is obviously a huge question, but the Chargers with him at quarterback could be a fun, entertaining team.
After nine seasons as Carolina’s starting quarterback, 2019 likely marked the last for the former Auburn product. The Panthers, who have undergone a coaching staff makeover, could see this as an opportunity to move on and start fresh with their quarterback of choice.
That wouldn’t be the only reason why it would make sense for Carolina to attempt a trade. Newton is under contract for another year, and the team would be saving $19 million if they were to let him go.
Trading for Newton does come with some concern. He suffered a foot injury during a 2019 preseason game, and after struggling through the first two games of the regular season, Newton missed the remainder of the campaign and was forced to get surgery.
But when Newton was healthy, he guided the team to three division titles, four playoff berths in eight seasons, and a trip to the Super Bowl.
In nine seasons, Newton has amassed 29,041 passing yards, 182 touchdowns and 108 interceptions. On the ground, he has compiled 4,806 yards and 58 touchdowns on 934 carries.
The Chargers have talent at the skill positions and on defense. The offensive line wasn’t great, but it will likely be remodeled this offseason. This is a team that’s far better from a 5-11 record, and with a quarterback that has Newton’s skillset, they could quickly turn things around.
Also, as the Bolts move into a brand-new stadium this year, Newton would not only provide an upgrade under center, but he would supply some badly needed buzz. The 30-year old’s weekly wardrobes would do wonders in the City of Angels.
The bottom line is that trading for Newton could come with some risk, but if the medicals are clean and he is 100% healthy, acquiring him could pay huge dividends as he would supply the Chargers with a much-needed dual-threat quarterback who could help them get back into contention, while adding some excitement to the roster.