The Los Angeles Chargers have been searching for ways this offseason to better support star quarterback Justin Herbert on offense. They have been linked to wide receivers on the open market and around the NFL on the trade block, and they’ve managed to add some upgrades to the offensive line to protect Herbert after a disastrous season up front.
One of the biggest questions remaining around the Chargers is what they will do with wide receiver Quentin Johnston. After an awful rookie season riddled with drops, Johnston has bounced back nicely the past two seasons. He’s led the Chargers with 16 touchdown catches and set a new career-high with 735 receiving yards last season.
While rumors that the Chargers could trade Johnston this offseason have risen, ESPN insider Kris Rhim reports that the Chargers’ front office is infatuated with the former first-round pick, and “they make that clear whenever asked about him and their commitment to his support.”
Johnston has been involved in rumors about a potential trade for Eagles receiver A.J. Brown, who appears to be set for a trade at any moment. The Chargers don’t seem involved anymore, and it could take a big offer for the team to let Johnston go.
The argument for moving on from Johnston is also clear and has merit. The team has to make a decision on a fifth-year option for Johnston by May 1, and the option is worth $18 million. That’s a lot to pay a wideout who has yet to break 1,000 yards in a season and become the go-to target.
Adding to that, the Chargers only have five draft picks this year and drafted two young wideouts last offseason that they are very excited about: Tre’ Harris and KeAndre Lambert-Smith.
With Keenan Allen potentially leaving the team again this offseason, the Chargers could theoretically trade Johnston for more draft capital and still have enough talent out wide to support Herbert.