On Thursday, Chargers GM Joe Hortiz spoke for the first time since February's NFL Combine. He had a lot to say regarding March's free agency and the upcoming NFL Draft.
He was of course asked about WR Quentin Johnston. The fifth-year option decision looms for the front office. Johnston's 2027 fifth-year option is worth $18 million. May 1st is the deadline for the option to be picked up.
Hortiz would not say whether or not he expects the option to be picked up. "We're still talking about it," Hortiz said. "We're still discussing things."
In addition to the fifth-year option, Johnston has been in trade rumors for most of the offseason. It started when ESPN's Jeremy Fowler listed the TCU product's name in possible trade conversations. Fowler listed Johnston along with Rashod Bateman and Dontayvion Wicks in possible trade talks. Wicks ended up being traded from the Packers to the Eagles last week.
Of course, it's worth noting that Hortiz would never publicly reveal a player to be in trade talks even if they actually were. But with that being said, the Chargers GM was still adamant about not trading Johnston.
Per Chargers GM Joe Hortiz, WR Quentin Johnston isn't going anywhere anytime soon.
ESPN's Kris Rhim asked if Johnston has been made available for trade. Hortiz said no.
Following up on that, Hortiz went a step further to deny any trade rumors.
"There's a lot of rumors out there on Twitter," Hortiz started. "And I can tell you this. I have made zero calls about Quentin [Johnston]. And I've had zero calls regarding Quentin."
If the Chargers were to turn down the fifth-year option for Johnston, it would make him an expiring contract in 2026. He'd be slated to hit free agency in 2027 without an extension.
At his introductory press conference, OC Mike McDaniel used the phrase "the players drafted here the last two years" in reference to the offensive talent Joe Hortiz has acquired. Like with Zion Johnson at this time last offseason, I'd be surprised if the new regime picked up QJ's fifth-year option. There are, of course, previous regime players that will be kept over the next few years, but it's worth wondering whether Johnston is in that protected class.
A trade for Johnston doesn't appear imminent if Hortiz is to be believed at his word. But it only takes one team before or during the draft to change Los Angeles' mind on that. Given the report by Fowler, color me skeptical in the idea that Johnston has not been shopped at all.
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