Subscribe
Follow Us
The Los Angeles Chargers are going through a major offseason of change so far with the decision to move on from quarterback Philip Rivers. It was a tough decision, but one that had to be made. Rivers was amazing during his tenure with the team, but the Chargers are focusing on their long-term future and he simply did not fit in at 38 years old.
Now, the Chargers are tasked with the tough job of finding a new starter. Los Angeles has a few options to look at.
With free agency in full swing, Los Angeles could look to sign a new starting quarterback. They also could look to the trade market to acquire one. Or, the third option they have could be the 2020 NFL Draft.
Thankfully, there are good options available in all three avenues of acquiring a new starter. Tyrod Taylor is also currently on the roster and has been a solid starter throughout his career. At this point in time, the Chargers have no need to panic about their quarterback situation.
All of that being said, let's take a look at three options for the Chargers at quarterback this offseason to replace Rivers.
3. They Could Sign Jameis Winston
One potentially intriguing option for the Chargers could be to dip into the free agency market to sign Jameis Winston. Yes, there are major concerns about his turnover problem. He threw 30 interceptions last season with the Tampa Bay Buccaneers.
While there is good reason for concern surrounding his turnovers, there are also reasons to believe that he has superstar potential. In the right system and with a change of scenery, Winston could take a big jump forward.
Winston completed 60.7 percent of his pass attempts in 2019 with the Buccaneers, racking up 5,109 yards and 33 touchdowns. Those numbers are impressive if the interception totals didn't exist. Los Angeles should consider this option, but it isn't their best option.
2. The Chargers Could Draft A New Long-Term Starter
Article Continues Below
Next up, the Chargers could easily decide to go with a young quarterback moving forward. They hold the No. 6 overall pick in the NFL Draft and it would make a lot of sense for them to go with a guy like Tua Tagovailoa or Justin Herbert. Tagovailoa could very well be gone, but Herbert has been connected to L.A. all offseason long.
Let's just assume the Chargers would end up with Herbert at No. 6 overall. He completed 66.8 percent of his passes last season with the Oregon Ducks to go along with 3,471 yards, 32 touchdowns, and only six interceptions. Herbert also scored four touchdowns on the ground.
Standing in at 6-foot-6 and nearly 240 pounds, Herbert is the ideal size for an NFL quarterback. He has great leadership skills and a high football IQ. Los Angeles would be in good hands long-term if they chose to go with Herbert in the first round.
1. Cam Newton Would Be An Ideal Scenario For Los Angeles
Finally, the Chargers should strongly look into trading for Carolina Panthers star quarterback Cam Newton. He is coming off of some serious injury concerns, but all reports have stated that his rehab process has been going well. Newton is ready to get back on the field and prove that he can still be a star.
Newton will also have a chip on his shoulder motivating him to get back to an elite level. The Panthers are forcing him out of town after originally throwing support behind bringing him back.
Having extra motivation and the work ethic and skills that Newton possesses is a dangerous combination. The Chargers could be acquiring a superstar if Newton is fully healthy. Trading for Newton should be the Chargers' top priority this offseason.
