After taking their time over the past few weeks, the Chargers finally decided to pick up the fifth-year option of wide receiver Quentin Johnston.
After a slow start to his NFL career in 2023 (431 yards, two touchdowns), Johnston took a step forward in 2024 by recording 711 receiving yards on a career-high 55 receptions to go with eight touchdowns. He repeated his eight touchdowns in 2025 while setting a career high with 735 yards, despite missing another career-high three contests due to injury.
Johnston’s 14.4 yards per reception also led the team while being his best mark in his three-year career. Under Greg Roman, it seemed as if the Chargers had found the best way to utilize Johnston’s skill set, which was getting him on deep and intermediate crossing routes where he could use his athleticism and burst to run away from the defender to create eventual separation. However, that was a dangerous game plan as it forced the offensive line — or what was left of it — to hold out for much longer than they normally could before Herbert could get the pass off.
With Mike McDaniel now at the helm of the offense, the expectation is that Johnston, along with the rest of the receiver room, will be put into a much better position for success on a play-by-play basis than under Roman. If Johnston continues his steady ascension, than the Chargers were right to pick up his option. If he begins to fall behind the likes of Tre’ Harris, or even 2026 fourth-rounder Brenen Thompson, then there’s likely a far outside chance he ends up playing on anything close to his $18 million option.
