Chargers considered signing Newton before NFL draft

The Los Angeles Chargers pondered signing Cam Newton prior to the 2020 NFL Draft but felt comfortable enough with Tyrod Taylor as a potential starter.

"Cam is a tremendous quarterback," head coach Anthony Lynn told CBS Sports Radio's Zach Gelb on Saturday. "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."

Newton was released by the Carolina Panthers in March and remains a free agent. He was linked to the Chargers before the draft, but L.A. used the sixth overall pick on quarterback Justin Herbert.

Lynn has maintained throughout the offseason that he'd be confident going into the season with Taylor, a former starter with the Buffalo Bills and Cleveland Browns, atop his depth chart.

"I feel really good about the quarterback room that I have," he said. "With Tyrod Taylor, Easton Stick - those are guys that a lot of people don't talk about, but (Stick) was a Division I AA - he won like three national championships (as a starter). ... He's a hell of a leader, hell of a professional and I think he has a bright future in this league one day."

Newton was named league MVP in 2015 but has struggled with injuries over the last two years.

The Chargers are looking to rebound from a 5-11 season in 2019. Philip Rivers has started every game for the Bolts since 2006, but he signed with the Indianapolis Colts in free agency.

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