Cam Newton has never been more motivated. Ever since his release from the Panthers last week, his now famously intense Instagram workout posts have become more and more frequent. He seems determined to defy the narrative that he is washed up and that his former team was wrong to “give up” on him, as he claimed in a video on Wednesday.
As to which team will give Newton his second chance, it’s anybody’s guess at this point. However, there is a fair amount of chatter about the Chargers potentially pursuing Newton. This will likely add more fuel to that fire. In one of his posts from Saturday, Newton was photographed with QB coach Jeff Christensen, who also happens to be working with Tyrod Taylor.
Free-agent QB Cam Newton posted video on his Instagram of him going through a throwing session — another step in his return from foot surgery. On the left is QB coach Jeff Christensen, who we mentioned yesterday on @nflnetwork has been working with Newton and Tyrod Taylor. pic.twitter.com/BTsez3G5Yq
— Tom Pelissero (@TomPelissero) March 28, 2020
For what it’s worth, Newton and Taylor have also shared the same practice field, recently.
#Chargers QB Tyrod Taylor is working out with… Cam Newton. pic.twitter.com/YvWUG870AN
— NFL Update (@MySportsUpdate) March 27, 2020
On the surface, it seems like an obvious fit. After releasing Philip Rivers, the Chargers are in need of a new starting quarterback. However, so far the team has stated that their intention is to stick with Taylor as their QB1. Nobody seems to believe them though – especially since they tried to sign Tom Brady.
If they’re still looking for a veteran QB, they have some other quality options. In addition to Newton being on the market, there’s another former No. 1 pick also looking for a new team. Jameis Winston has been replaced by Brady in Tampa Bay and is free to sign elsewhere. While Newton is obviously the superior player, Winston does have the advantage of being four years younger, so there’s a chance he will get signed first.
Los Angeles also holds the No. 6 overall pick in this year’s draft, which should put them in good position to land any quarterback they want in this class as long as they are not named Joe Burrow or Tua Tagovailoa.
Newton probably gives the Chargers their best chance to win this year, though.
While they still have a lot of ground to gain on the division-rival Super Bowl champion Chiefs, they have been aggressive in free agency so far. The team has signed defensive tackle Linval Joseph and cornerback Chris Harris, bolstering an already strong defensive unit. Adding right tackle Bryan Bulaga is another significant move that should help whoever starts at QB a great deal.
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