The Los Angeles Chargers have been aggressive when it comes to changing things up across the board this offseason. Jim Harbaugh has revamped his coaching staff, new faces have arrived in the front office, and the roster has seen players come and go since the start of free agency.
Trade rumors are beginning to run rampant ahead of the start of the 2026 NFL Draft, with wide receiver Quentin Johnston continually being linked to a potential deal. And yet, while the former first-round pick hasn’t always met expectations, general manager Joe Hortiz recently fired back at the notion that the team is looking to move on from Johnston.
Joe Hortiz, Chargers Not Looking to Trade Quentin Johnston
Story via @krisrhim1:
Los Angeles selected Johnston with the No. 21 overall pick in the 2023 NFL Draft, and while he’s flashed his big-play potential at times early in his career, he has also endured his fair share of struggles. Drops have plagued Johnston through his first three years in the pros, and he has been unable to deliver the goods when the lights are at their brightest.
Johnston got off to a red-hot start in 2025 (22 receptions, 337 yards, four touchdowns through his first four games), and it seemed like he was set for a breakout campaign. He cooled off significantly over his final 10 games of the year, though, and he ended up finishing the year with 51 catches for 735 yards and eight scores.
The Chargers have a decision to make on the fifth-year option in Johnston’s rookie deal this offseason, and with a new deal being on the horizon for him, some have wondered if the team could ultimately decide to trade him before the new season. The 2026 draft would seemingly be a perfect time to move Johnston, but Hortiz revealed that the team is not interested in dealing him right now.
“There’s a lot of rumors out there on Twitter,” Hortiz said, per Kris Rhim of ESPN. “And I can tell you this, I have made zero calls about Quentin, and I’ve had zero calls regarding Quentin.”
Chargers Sticking with Quentin Johnston in 2026
GettyLos Angeles Chargers wide receiver Quentin Johnston.
Los Angeles has a solid wide receiver duo in Johnston and Ladd McConkey, but the offense faltered down the stretch last year, leading some to wonder if upgrades were needed at this spot. Veteran wideout Keenan Allen could still be re-signed in free agency still, and having a full year of Omarion Hampton at running back should help the offense out greatly. Still, the offense would benefit greatly from Johnston leveling up his game in 2026.
While trade rumors will likely continue to swirl around him, Hortiz seemingly isn’t interested in getting rid of him right now. If the right trade offer comes across his plate, that train of thought could change quite quickly, but for now, Johnston is staying put. With this piece of business taken care of ahead of the draft, the front office can properly assess its needs so that it can make its best effort to bring the top players available to town for the upcoming year.
Chargers GM Clears the Air on Quentin Johnston Trade Rumors