LAC had an excellent free agency season by making several solid moves in the lines and secondary. But the Chargers didn’t sign another QB. Does that mean Taylor is the guy? Here’s what I’d do.
For starters, let me say that I’m a passionate Chargers fan. Despite the Bolts’ many ups and downs, I’ve loved this team for the entire time I’ve watched football. You can then could imagine my heartbreak when LAC announced that it was moving on from franchise quarterback, Philip Rivers.
I then watched the Buccaneers, Panthers, and the Colts select new quarterbacks from a deep free agency pool. I also saw my Chargers upgrade both sides of the line, linebacking, and grab a secondary star in Chris Harris.
Chargers’ Tyrod Taylor (AP Photo/Gregory Bull, NFL.com)
I’m excited about those upgrades, of course, but it left me wondering, too: WHO WILL START AT QB? And while I’m behind Tyrod Taylor, I would love to add depth to the quarterback room.
But you can’t do that without considering the Chargers’ cap space. Counting the approximate $9 million needed to sign the 2020 Draft class, the Chargers are sitting at about $13 million in cap space.
What could $13 million bring? There are QB options available that I believe could represent a Taylor upgrade. Prominent among them are Jameis Winston and Cam Newton. There are other contenders, as well: Cody Kessler, Mike Glennon, and Geno Smith are names that come to mind. They’re all solid players, for sure, but none is of starting quality.
It has been rumored that Winston is searching for a contract that will pay him somewhere in the $30 million per year range. That amount compares to the likes of Tom Brady, Philip Rivers, and Drew Brees–none of whom is coming off 30-interception seasons like Winston. Jameis is asking way too much!
But what if the Bolts could get him on a back-loaded, long-term deal that starts at $11-12 million annually? While that scenario is unlikely, I think Winston could be a good option for the Chargers. At only 26-years-old, he could lead the franchise deep into the 2020s. I do believe that Anthony Lynn and his staff would help Winston overcome his turnover habit.
‘Healthy’ is the word for Cam (photo, For the Win, USAToday)
Now, what about Newton? The former NFL MVP is coming off of two-game season (Lisfranc fracture in his foot). But according to self- and media reports (including the results of physical last month), Newton is ready to go in 2020.
What would Newton’s contract look like? There aren’t rumors swirling about what he’s seeking but, if I were the Bolts, here’s what I do. I’d pay Cam Newton $10 million a year for two years. That’s a good deal for a 31-year-old quarterback who’s coming off injuries. In exchange, I think Cam still has it in him to put up big numbers and electrify LAC’s offense.
So who should it be? Taylor, Winston, or Newton? I’d go with Winston. He’s young, and he’s coming off of a 5000-yard year. He’d be playing in a compatible offense, too.
I’ll admit that Winston may offer more down-the-line potential than instant results. But I see him as a long-term investment.
Go long, Chargers!
