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After the Chargers and Philip Rivers split ways, the search for a quarterback began in free agency.
Los Angeles was in the sweepstakes for Tom Brady, but they came up short after he chose to sign with the Buccaneers. Another free agent option was Cam Newton, who was released by the Panthers in March.
Newton was seen as an ideal target for L.A. because his presence would help sell tickets in their new season. However, they passed up on the opportunity to sign the former MVP.
Were the Chargers actually interested in signing Newton? Coach Anthony Lynn said that the team did consider it.
“Absolutely, Cam is a tremendous quarterback,” Lynn said on a recent CBS Sports interview. “He’s been MVP of this league, he’s led his team to the Super Bowl and he’s healthy now from what I hear. Cam is going to be on somebody’s roster and he’s going to help somebody win a few games, but yeah, we did take a look at that, sure.”
Los Angeles ended up drafting former Oregon product Justin Herbert with the No. 6 overall selection in this year’s draft with the hopes of him being the long-term solution at the position.
Prior to Herbert being selected, Lynn was already confident with the quarterbacks that were already on the roster.
“I feel really good about the quarterback room that I have,” Lynn said. “With Tyrod Taylor, Easton Stick — those are guys that a lot of people don’t talk about, but he was a Division I AA — he won like three national championships. He’s a hell of a leader, hell of a professional and I think he has a bright future in this league one day.”
While the Chargers quarterback room is set, Newton remains a free agent. Lynn believes that he will be signed in 2020 by a team.