New Quentin Johnston Trade Rumors amid Chargers' 2026 NFL Free Agency

While the "decision-makers" for the Los Angeles Chargers "love" veteran wideout Quentin Johnston, according to ESPN's Kris Rhim, there could be an argument for trading him this offseason.

As Rhim wrote, "The Chargers have somewhat of a logjam at receiver. They drafted two rookies last season, Tre' Harris and KeAndre Lambert-Smith, and Johnston's fifth-year option is due May 1, which is projected to be $18 million. The Chargers have only five draft picks in 2026, and Johnston could fetch draft capital for them or a player at a position of greater need than receiver. L.A. hasn't publicly indicated it is willing to part ways with Johnston, but internally it believes in him. But the right offer could quickly change that."

Johnston, 24, caught 51 passes for 735 yards and eight touchdowns in 2025, his second straight season recording over 50 catches, 700 receiving yards and reaching eight touchdowns.

Solid production, no doubt, and he's given Justin Herbert a weapon in the red zone, though Johnston has never become the sort of No. 1 wideout that was expected when he was drafted in the first round back in 2023. Instead, the trio of Johnston, Ladd McConkey and Keenan Allen all posted similar production in 2025.

Whether that makes Johnston expendable remains to be seen. The Chargers may also deem him a poor fit in new offensive coordinator Mike McDaniel's scheme. But for now, there's nothing to indicate he's going anywhere.