Los Angeles Chargers: Why trading for Cam Newton makes sense

CHARLOTTE, NORTH CAROLINA - SEPTEMBER 12: Cam Newton #1 of the Carolina Panthers before their game against the Tampa Bay Buccaneers at Bank of America Stadium on September 12, 2019 in Charlotte, North Carolina. (Photo by Jacob Kupferman/Getty Images)
CHARLOTTE, NORTH CAROLINA - SEPTEMBER 12: Cam Newton #1 of the Carolina Panthers before their game against the Tampa Bay Buccaneers at Bank of America Stadium on September 12, 2019 in Charlotte, North Carolina. (Photo by Jacob Kupferman/Getty Images) /
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(Photo by Streeter Lecka/Getty Images) – Los Angeles Chargers
(Photo by Streeter Lecka/Getty Images) – Los Angeles Chargers /

2. The ceiling is massively higher with Cam Newton than Tyrod Taylor

I have not bought in as fully to Tyrod Taylor as some Charger fans have. Taylor is an intriguing quarterback; he is mobile, led the Buffalo Bills to the playoffs in 2017 and has experience in the league. As a stop-gap quarterback, I understand why fans would gravitate to him.

Newton is a much better version of Tyrod Taylor that, if he is fully healthy and returns to the Cam Newton of old, could make the Chargers a Super Bowl contender.

Of course, it is worth noting that we have not seen that version of Newton in years and some may believe that the shipped has sailed. However, 80 percent of MVP-caliber Cam Newton is still better than Tyrod Taylor.

Taylor is a fine quarterback, he is not great but he is not terrible. I do not think he is someone that will lead the Chargers to 10 wins and certainly won’t lead them to a long playoff run. Newton has proven that he is someone who absolutely could do that.

And the best part about this situation is that even if Newton does struggle and does not find his old form then the Chargers could simply give the starting nod to Taylor, putting us back where we first started.

Newton has a much higher ceiling and the team could still utilize Taylor. It does not have to be a decision of one or the other.