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Quentin Johnston could yet be traded
While Quentin Johnston has gained a massive popularity over his time with the Los Angeles Chargers, there have been recent rumors about how he could end up being a valuable trade asset for them this offseason. While there have not been many teams emerging as landing spots, there could be one in the AFC East that could use him.
The New York Jets certainly have space for a WR2 especially on the outside to pair with Garrett Wilson. However, questions about Johnston’s production have arisen and whether or not the Chargers view him as expendable because of it could lead to hesitance surrounding a potential package.
Jets weighing upside
Should the Jets inquire about Johnston, they may not wish to concede much to the Chargers. On the other hand, the Chargers themselves may still be thinking about Johnston’s future. They still have not picked up his fifth year option and it certainly does not feel they are convinced by him. Still, considering the lack of depth they would have at the position should they trade him, they may want him to stick around for one more year.
Still, Johnston has to be viewed through the same lens as that of his draft class. When you think about the 2023 draft class in terms of wide receivers, the first name that should come to mind is Jaxon Smith-Njibga. Going just one pick befoe Johnston to Seattle, JSN just posted a season where he tallied 1,793 receiving yards, which rank as the eighth most in league history.
To put Johnston in comparison, his career receiving yards would still be 84 yards less than JSN’s 2025 season alone. While Johnston certainly seemed appealing then, coming off of a career eyar with TCU, he may have lost a little bit of that luster now.
Depth vs. value dilemma
The caveat here is that the Chargers, despite their ample cap space to be able to retain Johnston, simply would not have the receiving depth to contend without him. With Keenan Allen still a free agent, there may be no sign the veteran wide receiver returns to LA. While Ladd McConkey has certainly proven his worth with this team, he may not be the true WR1 they need to make a deep playoff run.
The draft would come with many questions for the Chargers, as they have more than just the receiving corps to address. With not much depth late in the first round at the position, they may have to bite the bullet and keep Johnston for one more year anyway.
While the best solution seems to be trading Johnston while he still has a modicum of value, the Chargers may have to do their due diligence in terms of scouting wide receivers for this year. They’re well and truly behind the eight ball in that department however.
No matter what the fans may think about Johnston, if the Chargers remain stubborn in how they view him, he could end up being there to stay.
Christopher Sheppard Christopher Sheppard is a passionate and knowledgeable sports journalist based in Englewood, NJ pursuing a role in the sports media industry. He covers the NFL for Heavy Sports, focusing on the Dolphins, Chargers, and Buccanneers. More about Christopher Sheppard
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