Cam Newton Trade Rumors: Chargers Interested in Panthers QB After Rivers Exit

The Carolina Panthers announced Tuesday they were allowing veteran quarterback Cam Newton to seek a trade this offseason. And according to ESPN's Josina Anderson, the Los Angeles Chargers are considering Newton:

"One of the distinct pleasures of my career was selecting Cam with the first pick in the 2011 draft," Panthers general manager Marty Hurney said Tuesday. "Every year difficult decisions are made, and they are never easy. We have been working with Cam and his agent to find the best fit for him moving forward, and he will always be a Carolina Panther in our hearts."

Newton refuted that he had instigated a divorce, however, saying the Panthers were pushing him out:

Regardless, it appears his time with the Panthers is over, and the Chargers are in the market for a new starter after they cut ties with Philip Rivers this offseason. 

General manager Tom Telesco spoke about that decision in February, per ESPN:

"After stepping back a bit from last season, we reconnected with Philip and his representatives to look at how 2019 played out, assess our future goals, evaluate the current state of the roster and see if there was a path forward that made sense for both parties. As we talked through various scenarios, it became apparent that it would be best for Philip and the Chargers to turn the page on what has truly been a remarkable run.

"We agreed that making this decision well before free agency would allow everyone to put themselves in the best position for success in 2020."

Newton makes sense as a target. The 30-year-old would bring experience and pedigree—he won the 2015 NFL MVP award—to an offense that's stacked at the skill positions, as he'd have weapons such as Keenan Allen, Mike Williams, Austin Ekeler and Hunter Henry at his disposal. 

Granted, Newton has shown signs of decline, as the wear and tear he suffered as a mobile quarterback has taken its toll. Injuries limited Newton to two games last year, as he threw for 572 yards and an interception. He had a solid season in 2018, however, throwing for 3,395 yards, 24 touchdowns, 13 interceptions and completing 67.9 percent of his passes. 

He also rushed for 488 yards and four scores. 

But questions remain about his durability and arm strength after a series of shoulder surgeries. Signing him would come with its risks. But with a glaring need at quarterback, those are risks the Chargers might have to take.