The Los Angeles Chargers face somewhat of a “logjam” in their wide receiver room, which means it could lead to a possible trade involving Quentin Johnston during the NFL Draft. No one should expect a trade until at least the draft, where teams are active, and even though it’s been reported that the Chargers won’t trade Johnston since they’re high on him, they could still move the receiver. While the Chargers will probably have to find a replacement, they still have two wideouts, KeAndre Lambert-Smith and Tre Harris, waiting in the wings for a larger role. Ladd McConkey is obviously the No. 1 weapon the Chargers won’t give up, so that makes Johnston an attractive trade piece.
Chargers May Receive Trade Offers for Former First-Round Pick Quentin Johnston During 2026 NFL Draft
The issue with that is the Chargers probably won’t get a high draft pick in return for Johnston. Originally selected as a first-round pick, the former TCU product struggled to get much production in his first two seasons as a Charger. After finishing the 2025 campaign with 51 receptions for 735 yards and eight touchdowns, Johnston is showing he has potential. Unfortunately for the Chargers, quarterback Justin Herbert isn’t getting any younger and would probably prefer a receiver who could get him in the winning column sooner rather than later.
Los Angeles attempted to acquire DK Metcalf via a trade last offseason before he went to the Steelers, and is keeping tabs on Philadelphia Eagles wide receiver AJ Brown. It seems like the Chargers would’ve moved on from Johnston if one of these two moves had happened, so it makes sense for the Chargers to move on now, as the receiver is in the final year of his contract. These three teams should be interested, given the landscape of his current rookie deal.
Possible Suitors
Baltimore Ravens
The Baltimore Ravens haven’t had a decent long-term WR3 in the past few seasons, between Odell Beckham Jr., Diontae Johnson and most recently DeAndre Hopkins. The team obviously wants to change that and with John Harbaugh gone, it shouldn’t be surprising to see this roster get another low-stakes veteran if anything. However, it might be wise for the team to acquire a receiver like Johnston via a trade that could turn into something promising. Lamar Jackson is one of the most accurate throwers in the league, but he can’t build on consistency if his receivers continue to change behind Zay Flowers and Rashod Bateman.
Speaking of Bateman, he’s been rumored to be traded this offseason, and the Cowboys tried to get him. After another underwhelming 2025 performance, the Ravens could deal him. However, the team will likely keep him and strengthen this offensive roster by acquiring Johnston.
Carolina Panthers
Meanwhile, the Panthers have the draft capital and one receiver to dangle in exchange for Johnston. Carolina probably won’t trade a draft pick and a player to get Johnston, so it might be best to swap between Johnston and Panthers wide receiver Xavier Legette. The team clearly doesn’t have a role for Legette anymore since Jalen Coker and Tetairoa McMillan are outshining him, so the swap makes sense for both sides, needing a fresh start.
Minnesota Vikings
However, nobody should be surprised if the Vikings trade back in the first round of this year’s draft. They won’t give a first for Johnston, so a third-round pick might be well-suited for the Chargers to go through with a trade. While the spotlight has been between Kyler Murray and JJ McCarthy for the starting quarterback job, the team has to fill the void that Jalen Nailor left behind Justin Jefferson and Jordan Addison.