The Los Angeles Chargers have now completed their second week of OTAs. They'll practice again on June 8-11 before their mandatory mini-camp on June 16-18.
So far, very little has been reported concerning how the receiving corps has performed this offseason. But Mike McDaniel has publicly stated his confidence in each of the Chargers' five main receivers— Quentin Johnston, Ladd McConkey, KeAndre Lambert Smith, Tre' Harris, and Brenen Thompson— to take large strides in 2026.
While there's room for Thompson, Harris, and Lambert-Smith to compete for a more cemented role this offseason, each of their roster spots is already virtually guaranteed. Obviously, both Johnston and McConkey will have major roles to play as well.
But after inking his fifth-year option to stay in Los Angeles through 2027, Johnston still has more to prove. While McConkey's role is relatively clear-cut as a YAC threat out of the slot, Johnston will need to earn McDaniel's trust as a downfield threat in order to earn his place as an alpha receiver within the Chargers offense.
This will hinge on his performance over the remainder of their offseason workouts.
Quentin Johnston needs to prove he can be consistent in 2026, and that process starts now
Anytime a new offensive coordinator comes in, especially one with as distinct of a vision as McDaniel, there's room for things to be shaken up significantly.
Johnston had a strong 2025 campaign, all things considered. But it was marked by many of the same inconsistencies we've seen out of him through his three-year NFL career. He came out of the gates blazing, posting 337 yards and four touchdowns in the first four weeks of the season.
But minor injuries and inconsistent performance across the offense quickly slowed him down. Between Weeks 5 and 13, Johnston posted just 196 yards on 35 targets. He then saw a major resurgence in Weeks 16 and 17.
McDaniel's passing scheme largely finds life through short-yardage, YAC opportunities, leaving McConkey as the prime candidate to take on an alpha role in the new offense. But McDaniel also loves to leverage speed and downfield threats as a counter to his typical offensive structure, and Johnston has a real chance to break out in that capacity.
For Johnston, it's always been more his potential rather than his actual production that's been attractive for the Chargers. If he wants to realize that potential in 2026, he needs to use the rest of OTAs to establish himself as a consistent presence and endear himself to McDaniel. The drops and the inconsistencies of the past will need to largely vanish.
Although Johnston will likely be the clear-cut X-receiver in the offense, Harris will also have a chance to eat into his snap share in that role.
While Johnston's future is guaranteed for at least the next two years, therefore, his performance over the rest of OTAs could have major implications for his breakout opportunities in 2026. It's time for Johnston to claim his place atop the Chargers' receiving corps.
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