Cam Newton: Best Trade Destinations for a Former League MVP
By Ian Higgins
Los Angeles Chargers
Quarterback: Phillip Rivers
Running Back: Melvin Gordon, Austin Ekeler
Receiving: Keenan Allen, Mike Williams, Hunter Henry
Phillip Rivers is not going to bring the Chargers a super bowl. This was apparent years ago, and Los Angeles should have moved on from the NC State product far before this failure of a season. The lack of fans also proves this, as the team is flat and boring to watch, failing to bring any explosiveness or innovation to the soccer stadium they call home field. Newton is the exact culture change they need.
Running backs Melvin Gordon and Austin Ekeler provide a strong 1-2 punch with differing skill sets that complement Newton well. With Newton’s size and strength, Ron Rivera frequently utilized this in short-yardage situations in his MVP campaign. Gordon is a well-rounded rusher with the ability to produce inside and outside the tackles.
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Ekeler burst onto the fantasy football scene last year with impressive PPR production and built on that performance with a strong showing in the absence of Melvin Gordon. Ekeler is a perfect check-down option for Newton to keep his play conservative and reasonable, while Gordon is a star running back who could provide more star production alongside Newton.
The Chargers receiving corps is also one of the most underrated in football. Keenan Allen is a bonified star who has never received the attention he deserves, from his consistent hands to his perfection in route running to his body control when making acrobatic plays downfield. Mike Williams was one of the best wide receiver prospects of the decade coming out of Clemson and he has begun to live up to the hype.
At 6-foot-4 with long arms and large hands, Williams is the prototypical big-bodied receiver, eerily reminiscent of Tampa Bay receiver Mike Evans. Hunter Henry (when healthy) is also one of the best young tight ends in football and continues to show himself as an underrated asset week after week.
Los Angeles needs a change of pace, and a flashy, proven star at quarterback is the exact change that is needed for an organization struggling both on the field and in the stands. There may also be a certain NFL executive who would be keen on acquiring a proven pocket passer in Rivers (*cough* John Elway).