Chargers GM Responds to Quentin Johnston Trade Rumors Amid 5th-Year Contract Option Decision

Los Angeles Chargers general manager Joe Hortiz made clear to reporters on Thursday that wide receiver Quentin Johnson isn't available for trade.

"There's a lot of rumors out there on Twitter," Hortiz said, per ESPN's Kris Rhim. "And I can tell you this, I have made zero calls about Quentin, and I've had zero calls regarding Quentin."

Johnston is entering the fourth and final year of his rookie deal. However, L.A. has until May 1 to pick up its fifth-year option on Johnston's contract worth a fully guaranteed $18.1 million.

Johnston has led the Chargers in receiving touchdowns each of the past two years with eight apiece. He added 55 receptions for 711 yards in 2024 before amassing 51 catches for 735 yards in 2025.

Johnston has shown much improvement since encountering some rookie year struggles (notably, key drops) en route to a 38/431/2 season.

The big question is where he'll be spending his NFL future.

In theory, if the Chargers and Johnston were at an impasse regarding a long-term deal, the Bolts could trade him and potentially avoid losing him for nothing in free agency down the road.

However, it's clear that Johnston isn't going anywhere right now. One can surmise Johnston will at least be spending 2026 with the Chargers, who are happy with their wide receivers.

"We're really excited about the wide receiver room," Hortiz said. "[Offensive coordinator Mike McDaniel] has talked about it. Just development all those guys have made. All starting with [Johnston]. Watching him get better year after year after year."

Johnston should be one of the two starting outside wide receivers with Tre' Harris. Ladd McConkey, who has led the Chargers in receiving yards each of the past two years, should be their top slot receiver.

L.A. has won 11 games and made the AFC Wild Card round in each of its two seasons under Hortiz and head coach Jim Harbaugh. The Chargers hope to take a bigger step next year, and Johnston's potential ascendance could be a key factor in whether that happens.