Los Angeles Chargers wide receivers Quentin Johnston and Ladd McConkey
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CHARLOTTE, NORTH CAROLINA - SEPTEMBER 15: Ladd McConkey #15 and Quentin Johnston #1 of the Los Angeles Chargers celebrates a first quarter touchdown from Johnston at Bank of America Stadium on September 15, 2024 in Charlotte, North Carolina. (Photo by Grant Halverson/Getty Images)
The Los Angeles Chargers are in full 2026 NFL Draft preparation mode.
We are just one month away from the draft, which Los Angeles currently has five selections in. That is tied with the Atlanta Falcons for the second-least amount of picks among all teams, trailing only the Seattle Seahawks, who have four.
The Chargers didn’t make a very big splash in free agency despite having nearly $100 million in salary cap space to work with. However, a couple of major sports outlets believe they could make a significant move in order to gain extra capitol in this year’s draft.
Los Angeles Chargers WR Quentin Johnston Could Be on Trade Block Ahead of NFL Draft
Johnston has been a bit of a polarizing player since being selected with the 21st overall pick in the 2023 NFL Draft. He had a disappointing rookie year, but has put together solid back-to-back seasons since.
Johnston may not be in the elite category of NFL receivers, but he is a quality starter. Chargers ESPN reporter Kris Rhim believes that while the team remains high on Johnston, they could move on from him for the right offer.
“Still, 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.”
John Kosko of Pro Football Focus believes if Los Angeles does want to acquire more draft picks, Johnston is its move valuable trade asset.
“Johnston struggled as a rookie before taking modest steps forward over the next two seasons, though injuries hampered his progress. He offers a specific and valuable skill set as an outside vertical threat capable of winning in contested situations, but his game remains limited beyond that role. The Chargers’ top priority should be strengthening the offensive line, and while Johnston is unlikely to return the value of his draft slot, moving him for additional assets to better protect Justin Herbert could be a worthwhile decision.”
Keeping Quentin Johnston Is in Chargers’ Best Interest
Quentin Johnston
GettyLA Chargers WR Quentin Johnston
It’s always tempting to make a trade during draft season, especially when you don’t have many picks, but it doesn’t make a lot of sense for Los Angeles to move on from Johnston. The Chargers are in “win now” mode, and trading Johnston makes them a worst team.
While Harris and Lambert-Smith are intriguing developmental players, they are very unproven. Los Angeles could actually benefit from adding another receiver to round out its passing attack and complement what should be a strong rushing attack in 2026.
The Chargers also still have at least one more year of cheap control over Johnston on his rookie deal. Next offseason they can make the decision to pick up his fifth year option, trade him, or give him a contract extension.