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Could Chargers Trade First-Round Pick After Breakout Season?

Originally posted on Last Word On Sports
By David Latham | Last updated Aug 10, 2025 4:00 PM ET

Quentin Johnston is one of the more controversial players on the Los Angeles Chargers, as nobody knows what to expect from the former first-round pick as he enters his third season in the league. While 2024 second-round pick Ladd McConkey is clearly the top option in the passing attack, Johnston could be anything from the second to fourth option in this new-look passing attack.

Johnston finished the 2024 season with a respectable 55 receptions for 711 yards and eight touchdowns, but most of that production came from a complete lack of competition. With Keenan Allen returning and second-round pick Tre Harris in the mix, Johnston could be the third or fourth option this year. According to Bleacher Report‘s Kristopher Knox, that could be enough to justify a trade, but will the Chargers actually part ways with their homegrown talent?

“If Johnston does appear to be trending toward a backup role, the Chargers should make him available while he still has some trade value,” Knox writes. “L.A. isn’t going to recoup its first-round pick, but a former first-round pick on a rookie contract would generate interest.”

Jan 11, 2025; Houston, Texas, USA; Los Angeles Chargers wide receiver Quentin Johnston (1) makes a reception against Houston Texans cornerback Derek Stingley Jr. (24) during the third quarter in an AFC wild card game at NRG Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Troy Taormina-Imagn Images

Should the Chargers Trade Quentin Johnston?

Why They Shouldn’t

Quentin Johnston may not have been the best use of a first-round pick, but the TCU product proved he can be part of a dangerous passing attack last year. Appearing in 15 games while making 11 starts, the wideout finished the season with 55 receptions for 711 yards and eight touchdowns while helping the team make the playoffs. While this stat line won’t put you in the Hall of Fame, it isn’t enough to make you lose your job, either.

While old friend Keenan Allen and newcomer Tre Harris could eat into Johnston’s workload in 2025, neither one of them is a sure thing. Allen still has some gas in his tank, but he’s entering his age-33 season and is much closer to the end of his career than the beginning. Harris, meanwhile, has yet to prove he can play at the NFL level and has not done much to inspire confidence in the preseason. It’s obviously too early to call him a bust, but Johnston’s presence would at least ease the pressure on Harris.

I don't want to overreact, but Tre Harris' career is over. #NFL #Chargers #BoltUp pic.twitter.com/CBWmBnBS6k

— Dr. Jamie Jakes (@jamjks) August 6, 2025

Why They Should

Quentin Johnston had a decent stat line last year, but the Chargers wideout wasn’t quite as good as the numbers would suggest. His 60.4% catch rate leaves something to be desired, he dropped an unacceptable seven passes, and a sizable portion of his production came from blown coverages and defensive miscues. Johnston finished the season with a 67.4 PFF grade, the 65th-best mark out of 133 eligible players. Again, this isn’t terrible, but it suggests he probably won’t recapture his magic in 2025.

If the Chargers want to maximize their return for Quentin Johnston, they should consider a trade. However, if they don’t think Tre Harris can make an immediate impact, they’re better off holding on to him for another season.

This article first appeared on Last Word On Sports and was syndicated with permission.

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