The Los Angeles Chargers have an important decision to make this offseason with fourth-year wide receiver Quentin Johnston.
As the Chargers reshape their offensive identity, Johnston's fifth-year option looms. If Los Angeles believes in his continued development as a speedy contested-catch threat, then perhaps the $17 million will be worth it.
If it's not, it is likely time to find a new destinaton for him through a trade.
Although there is a strong market at the position this offseason, teams are always in need of players with Johnston's skill-set. Although he's been up-and-down from a perspective of production in his time with the Chargers, there will be plenty of suitors for a buy-cheap opportunity.
The perfect suitor could be emerging in the Philadelphia Eagles.
If AJ Brown is gone, Johnston could be the perfect swing for Philadelphia
Johnston is an odd case. In 2025, it seemed as though he had finally broken out at the start of the season. Through his first four games, he amassed 22 receptions for 337 yards and four touchdowns. The Chargers offense was clicking, and so was Johnston.
Yet he quickly regressed, taking on a smaller and smaller share of offensive duties as the season went on. Between Weeks 5 and 14, he only garnered 35 targets, grabbing 20 receptions for 196 yards.
Then, in the final two weeks of the season, Johnston re-emerged. going for 22.4 yards per reception and totaling 202 yards between the pair of matchups.
A bet on Johnston would be a risky one. The Chargers could shy away from taking a swing, instead focusing on diversifying their receiving core on the open market.
Philadelphia, however, might be in need of someone with Johnston's skill-set.
Although Brown maintained his high level of production in 2025, the Eagles offense and Brown's role within it were utterly disappointing. Philadelphia finished 24th in total yards, and the success rate on Brown's catches dropped to 52.1%.
Brown was clearly unhappy for stretches of last season, and a relocation could soon be in play if tensions boil over.
Johnston is clearly no match for Brown. But if Philadelphia believes in his potential as a contested-catch threat, he could be the perfect complement to their speedy receiving core. By moving Brown, moreover, the Eagles could create ample cap space to ink Johnston to an extension.
It's far too early to tell what will truly be in play this offseason, but it's certainly worth watching the ongoing saga in Philadelphia.