Quentin Johnston’s Future in L.A. Is Up in the Air - and the Clock’s Ticking
The Chargers have a decision to make - and it’s not an easy one. Quentin Johnston, their former first-round pick, is at the center of a looming $17.5 million question: Do they pick up his fifth-year option, or do they start thinking about moving on?
There’s no denying Johnston’s raw talent. He’s got the size and speed that made scouts fall in love with him coming out of college, and when he’s on, he looks every bit the big-play threat the Chargers hoped they were getting. Just ask the Chiefs - Johnston caught two touchdowns in a win over Kansas City to open the season, showing flashes of the downfield dynamism he brings to the table.
But the picture isn’t that simple.
Johnston has struggled with drops - not a new issue, and probably not one that’s going away entirely. He’s not going to suddenly develop glue hands, but even with the occasional miscue, he can still be productive.
Over the past two seasons, he’s averaged 1.7 yards per route run - a mark that puts him ahead of guys like Jordan Addison and Darnell Mooney. That’s solid company, and it shows he’s making an impact when targeted.
Still, his role has taken a hit. And that’s where things get complicated.
The emergence of rookie tight end Oronde Gadsden II has changed the dynamic in L.A.’s passing game. Gadsden has carved out a role as a legitimate vertical threat - and he’s eating into Johnston’s opportunities.
Since Gadsden started seeing more snaps in October, Johnston’s production has dipped. He hasn’t topped 70 receiving yards in a game since those early-season outings, and he’s had two games with zero catches - including quiet showings against Minnesota and Jacksonville.
It’s not all on Johnston, though. The Chargers have also taken some hits up front.
Losing offensive linemen Joe Alt and Rashawn Slater to season-ending injuries has seriously limited the time Justin Herbert has to push the ball downfield - the very area where Johnston does his best work. Without that protection, Herbert’s had to get the ball out quicker, and that’s naturally shifted the offense away from deeper route concepts where Johnston thrives.
So now, we’re at a crossroads.
The Chargers have to decide whether to guarantee Johnston $17.5 million for 2027. That’s a fair figure for a WR2 - and if Johnston continues to develop, it could even end up being a bargain. But it’s also a hefty price tag for a player who’s disappeared at times, especially with Gadsden starting to look like a long-term piece in the offense.
There’s another wrinkle here too: this current Chargers regime didn’t draft Johnston. That matters.
When a new front office or coaching staff comes in, they don’t always feel the same investment in players brought in by the previous group. If Johnston doesn’t finish the season strong, L.A. could easily decide to let the option go - or explore trade options.
On the flip side, if Johnston catches fire to close out the year, it’s not out of the question to see the Chargers not only pick up the option but even begin extension talks. It’s all on the table.
For now, Johnston’s future in L.A. is anything but certain. 2026?
Up in the air. 2027?
Even murkier. What happens over the next few weeks could go a long way in determining whether he’s part of the Chargers’ long-term plans - or just a talented player who never quite found his footing in powder blue.