The Chargers gave wide receiver Quentin Johnston a vote of confidence and a lot of money when they exercised his fifth-year option during the offseason. However, with the Bolts off to a disastrous 0-4 start as the Nov. 10 trade deadline approaches, multiple sources told Ralph Vacchiano of Fox Sports that the team could put Johnston on the block.
Johnston joined the Chargers as the 21st overall pick in the 2023 draft, ex-general manager Tom Telesco’s last with the franchise. The former TCU standout hasn’t consistently lived up to his his first-round stock, though.
Johnston played a full season as a rookie, but he underwhelmed with 38 catches, 431 yards and two touchdowns. While Johnston’s drop rate rose from 4.5 percent to 7.7% in his second year, he improved to 55 receptions, 711 yards and eight scores in 15 games. Although Johnston missed three games in 2025, it ranks as the most productive season of his career thus far. The 6-foot-2, 208-pounder racked up 51 grabs for 735 yards and another eight TDs, and he dropped a personal-best 2.4% of passes.
The progress Johnston showed last year clearly impressed GM Joe Hortiz, who signed off on the wideout’s $18.1MM option for 2027. However, in what has been a Murphy’s Law season for the injury-riddled, underperforming Chargers, Johnston and other key offensive players have gone backward under new coordinator Mike McDaniel.
Johnston has caught seven of 19 targets for 108 yards, dropped a pair of passes and gone without a TD. He is on pace for 30 receptions and 459 yards over a 17-game season, which would be on par with his lackluster rookie output. To worsen matters, he will not be in position to better his numbers in Week 5. Johnston will miss the Chargers’ meeting with the AFC West rival Broncos on Sunday because of a chest injury.
With Johnston’s stock down in Los Angeles, the two sides could be headed for a divorce in the next few weeks. It remains to be seen if anyone would be willing to take on the slumping Johnston’s fully guaranteed salary, but getting rid of it would create an even more favorable cap situation for the Chargers. They already have approximately $70.74MM in spending room for 2027, per Over the Cap. The Chargers will try to claw back into contention in the meantime, but between the injuries and a grueling schedule, this already looks like a lost season.
So they want to trade a disappointing 1st round pick for draft capital. Get in line. If I was a GM I’d say call me when you have something somebody wants. Name a team that doesn’t want to trade their failures?😕😒🤷♂️
He’s coming off two straight seasons with 700 yards. He’s not a happy outcome for a first round pick, but it’s not like we’re talking about a zero here.
Chargers Reagor
Not nearly as bad as Reagor.
They want to trade a solid # 2 WR option who’s a red zone and deep ball threat at 6’4” that’s averaged 720 yards and 8 TDs last two years*
Johnstons actually been productive as a late 1st round pick given his TDs. Can’t say the same about 9th overall bust Rome Odunze
Except for one tiny thing. Everyone on the Bears is a weapon. There is no one guy who is gonna dominate.
Yeah that’s it lmao sure buddy whatever helps you sleep at night
“ There is no one guy who is gonna dominate.” Then why did you waste a 9th overall pick on Odunze LOL yeah we drafted Odunze 9th overall but he’s more of a systems guy we like to spread the ball around and not get bet value for the pick slot.
You realize Herbert had weapons too last year right lol. McConkey Johnston Allen Gadsen spread the ball around plenty.
Yeah Ok. Except the Bears aren’t trying to dump any of their guys. So if he’s so great why do they want to get rid of him? I remember when everybody said the Bears should hire Harbaugh the cheat. I think we’ll keep Johnson and you can have Harbaugh. He’s a joke.
Nobody wants Rome Odunze. Guarantee nobody is asking is Rome Odunze available. They’ll just wait for the bears to cut him.
Why does a GM who didn’t draft him and a HC who didn’t draft him want to find their people? Yeah that’s a tough question Mike lol. Johnston was drafted by Staley/Telesco not Harbaugh/Hortiz
You new to watching football?
You guys are both being silly here.
there are lots of teams who would want Rome Odunze
Johnson and a 7th for a 5th
He had a disastrous rookie year, but he actually turned into a pretty useful player until this year. Part of the problem is he looks like he should be an X receiver with his frame, but that’s not what he is. He’s not great at the catch point, but is more of a guy who’s dangerous after you get the ball in his hands.
Beat up pussies are in demand
Never thought Johnston showed much enthusiasm for his craft. Had some jazz in college yet drafted it looked like he wasn’t prepared for the step up to the pro game or the DBs at that level.
Think this version of the Bolts lack enough receivers that catch and oline that can protect. Defense just looks tired towards the end of the game as the offense doesn’t own ‘time of possession’.
Wasn’t shocked they lost again yet think they’ll win ‘someday’…