Chargers 'absolutely' considered signing Cam Newton

Before the Los Angeles Chargers decided to roll with Tyrod Taylor, Easton Stick and rookie Justin Herbert at quarterback, they took a deep dive into other free agents who could have potentially filled the role.

One of the players Chargers head coach Anthony Lynn took a look at was former Panthers quarterback Cam Newton, who was released by Carolina in March.

While teams like the New England Patriots haven't had much interest in Newton, Lynn acknowledged the Chargers' interest in the 31-year-old during an interview with CBS Sports Radio, according to ESPN, and noted he "absolutely" considered signing the three-time Pro Bowler.

Newton still is a free agent, but the Chargers are no longer considering him for a role with the organization.

"Tyrod Taylor, Easton Stick -- those are guys that a lot of people don't talk about," Lynn said in the interview published Saturday by CBS Sports, according to ESPN. "[Stick] was a Division I-AA [star] -- he won like three national championships. ... He's a hell of a leader, hell of a professional and I think he has a bright future in this league one day.

"But with him, Tyrod Taylor and knowing that we had an opportunity to get one picking sixth in the draft -- all those decisions came into play when talking about Cam."

While Lynn noted that Newton is a "tremendous quarterback" and will be on someone's roster come the start of the 2020 campaign, it's hard to ignore his more recent injury history.

Newton missed 14 games last season due to a foot injury that required season-ending surgery, and has also dealt with a shoulder injury in recent years. 

The injuries, and his visible decline over the years, led the Panthers to sign Teddy Bridgewater as his replacement. 

However, the door isn't closed for Newton to remain a starter in the NFL. If he goes unsigned through part of the 2020 campaign, a desperate team may be calling for Newton's services.