Quentin Johnston

Career StatsC

Year	Team	GP	Rec	Yards	TD
Career		46	144	1,877	18
2025		14	51	735	8
2024		15	55	711	8
2023		17

Current Contract

Contract Value Index (CVI)

The Chargers locked up Quentin Johnston at what amounts to a solid value deal, securing their emerging receiver at $3.5M annually before he could potentially break out and command premium money. Johnston's production sits in serviceable starter territory, but that classification paired with his modest salary creates meaningful upside for Los Angeles — they're essentially betting on continued development while paying below-market rates for a contributor in their passing attack. At just 23 years old, Johnston is entering his prime developmental window, making this four-year commitment a shrewd move that allows the Chargers to evaluate his ceiling without major financial risk. The full guarantee structure shows organizational confidence while keeping the annual hit manageable, giving them flexibility to build around Justin Herbert's supporting cast. This B CVI reflects a franchise making a calculated investment in a young player with room to grow, securing potential WR2 production at WR3 prices if Johnston takes the expected leap forward.

Performance Analysis

Quentin Johnston is a 24-year-old wide receiver entering his third NFL season, still working to fulfill the promise that made him a first-round pick. Graded at a C overall, Johnston remains a developmental asset for the Chargers rather than a proven contributor. His trajectory, however, is genuinely encouraging — consecutive B and B- seasons following a rough F-grade rookie campaign signal real growth. His strongest current asset is red-zone production, where his 0.57 receiving touchdowns per game dwarfs the NFL average of 0.30 and technically clears the elite threshold of 0.55. His yards-per-reception sits at 14.4, comfortably above the league average of 12.70, confirming he creates separation and generates chunk plays when targeted. The concern remains volume — his 52.5 receiving yards per game barely edges the NFL average of 50.0, well short of the 80.0 yards elite receivers produce consistently. Johnston's arc from an F in 2023 to a B- in 2024 to a B in 2025 is the story worth watching. If he can convert his TD efficiency and big-play ability into consistent target share, a breakout as a legitimate WR1 or WR2 is plausible within the next two seasons. At 24, the ceiling remains intact — this is a talent still learning how to dominate, not one fading away.

Current Sentiment

Quentin Johnston enters the 2026 offseason as one of the more scrutinized young receivers in the AFC West, with his name surfacing repeatedly in trade speculation that has cast a shadow over his development trajectory. Despite being a former first-round pick, Johnston has yet to translate draft pedigree into consistent production, accumulating just 1,877 receiving yards over three seasons on a modest $3.5 million contract that signals limited organizational commitment. The volume of trade rumors circulating ahead of the NFL Draft represents a meaningful red flag, as analysts and media outlets have openly projected him as a candidate to be dealt to rebuilding franchises such as the Carolina Panthers. Chargers GM Joe Hortiz did move to publicly shut down the speculation, stating he had received zero calls regarding Johnston, which provides some reputational cushion and suggests the team has not actively shopped him. Nevertheless, the persistent nature of the trade narrative, combined with a lack of breakout statistical milestones or accolades, leaves Johnston's media and fan perception in a precarious and largely skeptical place heading into what many consider a pivotal contract year.