By admin 
The hype and optimism that were surrounding the Los Angeles Chargers prior to Week 1 are now just distant memories. The team is sitting at 0-5 after its latest setback on Sunday, and with that, its last slim chance of making the NFL playoffs this winter is virtually gone.
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At this point, it may be time for the organization to start thinking about next season and how it can set itself up for success by then. The NFL trade deadline is on Nov. 10, and there is an increasing expectation that the Chargers will be sellers.
Veteran edge rusher Khalil Mack has been mentioned as a prime trade candidate. But now, another key member of the roster has been talked about as someone who could get moved soon.
A key wide receiver could be gone
In 2023, Los Angeles took wide receiver Quentin Johnston with the No. 21 pick in the NFL draft. It was hoped that the Texas Christian University product would become the speed threat that the team had lacked, not to mention a major weapon overall.
But he hasn’t developed into anything close to that. His hands aren’t the greatest, and through four games this season, his numbers are about as bad as they’ve ever been: seven catches for 108 yards and no touchdowns.
In a recent ESPN article, longtime NFL insider Jeremy Fowler wrote that Johnston could be on the move.
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“What about Quentin Johnston? The Chargers’ wideout has come up in a few of my recent conversations. The Bolts were firm in the offseason that they wouldn’t deal him, but now that Los Angeles is sitting at 0-5, perhaps the timing is right.”
Colleague Dan Graziano seemed to agree.
“Veteran edge rusher Khalil Mack is the big name, but Johnston is certainly intriguing,” Graziano wrote. “A potential hang-up is that fully guaranteed $18 million fifth-year option for 2027, but Johnston just turned 25, has obvious talent and could benefit from a change of scenery.”
There could be an argument to make that perhaps Johnston just needs to go to another team and be in an offense that will make the best use of his gifts. Under Greg Roman, their offensive coordinator in 2024 and 2025, the Chargers didn’t exactly look to stretch the field vertically, and this year under new offensive coordinator Mike McDaniel, their offense looks very disjointed.
Johnston did score eight touchdowns apiece in both of the previous two seasons. At 6-foot-2, he has decent height for the wide receiver position, and his yards per reception has increased in each season since coming into the league.
It could be time for the Bolts to do a bit of a soft reset, as one of their apparent problems right now is a lack of top-level talent, especially on offense.
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More on the Los Angeles Chargers
- The Chargers Were Still Limping Along at Wednesday’s Practice Session
- Chiefs’ Andy Reid Announces Josh Simmons Injury Update Before Chargers Game
- Chargers’ Draft Class Earns a B- in Week 5 Rankings as Akheem Mesidor Impresses Off the Edge
- Chargers Power Rankings Roundup: How Far Has L.A. Fallen Going Into Week 6?
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This story was originally published October 14, 2026 at 8:24 PM.