Quentin Johnston
Getty
LA Chargers WR Quentin Johnston
The Los Angeles Chargers are facing many tough decisions with their roster during the offseason. They have several key players set to become free agents in just a matter of a couple weeks.
Fortunately, the Chargers have plenty of salary cap space to address their needs. They currently have five selections in the 2026 NFL Draft, and are projected to receive two more compensatory picks. Los Angeles also has an under-the-radar, but important choice to make sooner rather than later regarding wide receiver Quentin Johnston.
Pro Football Focus Predicts Los Angeles Chargers Will Pick up WR Quentin Johnston’s Fifth-Year Option
The Chargers selected Johnston with the 21st overall pick in the 2023 NFL Draft. The deadline to pick up fifth-year options for all first-round picks is May 1st. That is still a couple of months away, but getting it ironed out now could give Los Angeles a clearer picture of what it wants to do during free agency and the draft. Here’s what PFF had to say:
“Things got better for Johnston in Years 2 and 3, but he’s still looking to shed the reputation built in his rookie year. He moves fast, but lingering eyes are a little slower when it comes to trying to change the narrative. The good news is that Johnston caught 16 touchdowns in his last two seasons, tied for the seventh-most among receivers, and bumped his contested catch rate up to 47.8% in 2025.
“Purely based on his production over three years, it’s harder to justify accepting Johnston’s fifth-year option if you’re the Chargers — but the development in his game has been exciting at times. Johnston has become one of the better field-stretchers in the NFL, catching 10 passes for 20 yards or more for the 12th-most deep receiving yards. He’s rounded into an important cog in the Chargers’ offense and someone who can make things happen after the catch. It’s a tentative yes, under the guise that Johnston needs to carry on growing.”
Chargers Would Be Wise to Pick up Johnston’s Fifth-Year Option
Quentin Johnston
Luke Hales/Getty ImagesChargers WR Quentin Johnston
Johnston may not be in the elite category of NFL receivers, but he is a quality starter. Los Angeles could give him a contract extension right now if it wanted to, but that is probably a bit premature. Seeing how well he fits into new offensive coordinator Mike McDaniel’s scheme first would be a safer way to go.
It is possible that McDaniel elevates Johnston’s game. After already putting up gaudy numbers for many years with the Kansas City Chiefs, wide receiver Tyreek Hill put the best two seasons of his career together under McDaniel with the Miami Dolphins. Jaylen Waddle also had some big years under McDaniel.
Picking up Johnston’s fifth-year option would ensure him staying in Los Angeles through the 2027 season. That would allow the Chargers to focus on other roster needs while Johnston continues to develop. Still just 24 years old, it’s reasonable to believe we have yet to see the best version of Johnston. Despite missing three games, he set a career high in receiving yards with 735, and tied a career high with eight touchdowns in 2025.