Los Angeles Chargers May Trade Quentin Johnston Before 2026 NFL Draft

ESPN’s Kris Rhim wrote an article about the biggest questions for the Los Angeles Chargers. One question brought up was the idea of trading away wide receiver Quentin Johnston. Below is what he wrote about the possibility:

“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.”

The Los Angeles Chargers have not indicated publicly that they are shopping him. Johnston finished the 2025 season with 51 catches on 85 targets for 735 yards (14.4 yards per reception) with eight touchdowns. He is still on the final year of his rookie contract and could be two seasons if his option is picked up by the May 1 date. There is value for teams to trade for him, but the exact draft capital needed is not known. It will be intriguing if there will be an offer for Johnston before the 2026 NFL Draft comes.