Quentin Johnston, Khalil Mack could be part of Chargers fire sale ahead of trade deadline

One of the more stunning developments of the first five weeks of the NFL season involved the Los Angeles Chargers beginning the campaign with five consecutive defeats. 

The Chargers' current run of form has sparked chatter suggesting that first-year offensive coordinator Mike McDaniel and/or head coach Jim Harbaugh could be fired before the campaign comes to an end. ESPN's Jeremy Fowler and Dan Graziano addressed moves the Chargers could make amid a possible fire sale ahead of the Nov. 10 trade deadline. 

Chargers may be more willing to trade Quentin Johnston than before

According to Fowler, Quentin Johnston "has come up in a few of my recent conversations" regarding wide receivers who could be traded this fall. 

"The Bolts were firm in the offseason that they wouldn't deal him," Fowler wrote about Johnston, "but now that Los Angeles is sitting at 0-5, perhaps the timing is right."

While Johnston has thus far recorded just seven receptions for 108 yards this season, it's worth noting that the Chargers' offense as a whole has been a massive disappointment throughout the campaign. As for teams that could potentially take a flier on Johnston, the Kansas City Chiefs, Indianapolis Colts, San Francisco 49ers and Las Vegas Raiders were mentioned as clubs expected to be in the market for receiving help. 

Quentin Johnston, Khalil Mack could both use a change of scenery

"Teams will have an eye on potentially helpful players from a Chargers roster that obviously hasn't come together," Graziano added. "Veteran edge-rusher Khalil Mack is the big name, but Johnston is certainly intriguing. A potential hang-up is that fully guaranteed $18M fifth-year option for 2027, but Johnston just turned 25, has obvious talent and could benefit from a change of scenery."

The 49ers, Chicago Bears and Dallas Cowboys are three teams that have routinely been linked with pass-rushers. That said, Harbaugh insisted that he and Chargers ownership are "in this fight together." 

Thus, one would think that the Chargers won't sell a proven commodity before they play at the 4-0 Kansas City Chiefs this coming Sunday. However, one wonders whether the Chargers would become open for business during their Week 7 bye if they are blown out by Kansas City.