The Los Angeles Chargers undoubtedly have a decision to make this offseason on the fifth-year option for Quentin Johnston. If they decide to pick it up, Johnston will be slated to earn around $16 million in 2027.
Is Johnston worth that price? That's a difficult question to answer. After struggling with drops and consistency early in his career, it seemed as though he had turned things around early in 2025. He then all but disappeared through the middle portions of the season only to have a pair of breakout performances in Weeks 16 and 17.
Moving on from him this offseason would, at the very least, make financial sense. But the Chargers have time and time again indicated their faith in Johnston.
Kris Rhim reiterated this fact in his recent report for ESPN. It seems as though it would take a rather enticing package to convince Los Angeles to part ways with him. But on a broader scale, it's hard to imagine another organization offering the Chargers the sort of package they would likely require.
The Chargers believe in Quentin Johnston, and their lack of leverage in trade talks will likely convince them to hang onto him
In his report, Rhim acknowledges the reality the Chargers face with Johnston's contract. But he also makes clear that the organization, as of now, is not looking to move him for just any price.
"The Chargers' decision-makers love Johnston, and they make that clear whenever asked about him and their commitment to his support... L.A. hasn't publicly indicated it is willing to part ways with Johnston, but internally it believes in him. But the right offer could quickly change that."- Kris Rhim
Rhim finishes off his report on Johnston with a sort of caveat. The Chargers could be willing to move him if "the right offer" comes across the table. But a deeper look exposes a somewhat painful fact.
Los Angeles spent first-round draft capital on Johnston, selecting him 21st overall in the 2023 NFL Draft. But neither his production nor his situation would allow the Chargers to recoup anything close to that in a trade involving Johnston.
Johnston was impactful last season, but he posted just 735 yards and eight touchdowns on 51 receptions. He's nowhere near the required volume or production to be a team's alpha receiver. He's also entering a contract year, which would severely hurt the organization's leverage in trade negotiations.
If we're being realistic, another organization may offer a Day 3 pick for Johnston or even a solid rotational player. But it's hard to imagine that's what the Chargers would see as "the right offer" given how they value Johnston's skill-set.
To be clear, Rhim left the door open for Johnston to be moved this offseason. But the current state of affairs all but confirms their most likely move is to bring him back, whether they pick up his fifth-year option or not.