Cam Newton's Next Team: Los Angeles Chargers Are Odds-On Favorites To Sign Free Agent

Cam Newton is still a free agent after the Carolina Panthers released him well into the official start of the offseason. With few teams looking for a starting quarterback in the 2020 NFL season, one landing spot appears to be the most logical for the veteran.

The Los Angeles Chargers have emerged as the odds-on favorites to sign Newton. FanDuel Sportsbook gives Newton -170 odds to be playing for L.A. in Week 1.

The Jacksonville Jaguars and Miami Dolphins are tied for second with +490 odds. The Denver Broncos (+600), New England Patriots (+650) and Washington Redskins (+900) are somewhat long shots to acquire Newton.

Philip Rivers has started every game for the Chargers in the last 14 seasons. The quarterback left Los Angeles to sign a one-year, $25 million contract with the Indianapolis Colts.

The Chargers are reportedly ready for Tyrod Taylor to be their starter in 2020. He backed up Rivers in the 2019 season.

It stands to reason that Los Angeles will sign a veteran quarterback at some point. Easton Stick is the only other quarterback on the roster. Stick was selected in the fifth round of last year’s draft and has never attempted a pass in an NFL regular-season game.

The Chargers could select a quarterback with the No.6 overall pick in the 2020 NFL Draft.

Taylor was the Buffalo Bills’ starter from 2015-2017, throwing 51 touchdown passes and 16 interceptions with a 22-20 record. He started three games with the Cleveland Browns in 2018 before being replaced by Baker Mayfield.

Injuries have prevented Newton from finishing each of the last two seasons, but he’s a far more accomplished starter than Taylor. Newton won the 2015 NFL MVP award, throwing for 35 touchdowns and leading Carolina to the Super Bowl. He set a career-high with 754 rushing yards in 2017 when the Panthers went 11-5.

Newton is a better fit for Los Angeles than free-agent Jameis Winston. Head coach Anthony Lynn reportedly prefers a quarterback that isn’t mistake-prone. Winston led the NFL with 30 interceptions and seven pick-sixes last season

Rivers threw 20 interceptions as the Chargers went 5-11 in 2019.