Los Angeles Chargers: Why trading for Cam Newton makes sense

1. The cost to trade Newton won’t be high

Cam Newton is a big name and it might seem like the Chargers would have to give up a high pick in order to trade for him. While a first-round pick is definitely off the table, the Panthers could definitely plead for the Chargers’ second-round pick and a future fourth if Newton was healthy.

However, because of the situation with Newton and the break-up being rather ugly, the price to obtain the former MVP quarterback is not going to be as high. The Panthers have absolutely no leverage in the situation and it would be shocking to see them get more than a fourth-round pick.

A fourth-round pick might even seem high if the Panthers cannot find a trade partner, which could lead to them cutting Newton. So why not just wait for Newton to be cut and sign him? Well, there are two reasons.

First, by giving the Panthers something to keep them from cutting him that is going to ensure that the Chargers land him and do not have to fight for his services in free agency. Second is his contract, which we will get to later.

If there are not suitors for a Newton trade then the price could get as low as a sixth-round pick. While I doubt it gets that low, the Chargers could absolutely snag Newton for a fourth and a future sixth.

As valuable as draft picks are, trading two late-round picks for Newton would be a massive come up, especially as it would help ownership’s goal of selling tickets to the casual crowd.