The Los Angeles Chargers could use former first-round pick wide receiver Quentin Johnston as trade bait this NFL Draft. According to FOX Sports, the wideout had rough back-to-back campaigns with the Chargers, so the team may be looking to move on from him. Head Coach Jim Harbaugh believes in Johnston, but it doesn’t mean the team will keep him for the immediate future since he wasn’t a part of the new regime when the team got him in the draft. Johnston is still 23 and might need a reset with a roster that fits his scheme since Mike Williams could earn himself another deal if he impresses the Chargers’ coaches this upcoming season.
This could make Johnston expendable, as whoever they draft this year could be his replacement, depending on what round. Originally selected in the first round of the 2021 NFL Draft, the former TCU product had a lot of upside coming into the league, but he hasn’t been able to justify it, recording 38 receptions for 431 receiving yards and two touchdowns in 17 games and 10 starts. Since it was just his first year, Harbaugh gave him another chance, but he wasn’t able to even outperform 2024 draft pick Ladd McConkey last season.
The Chargers could make Johnston available for a trade on the third day to receive a late draft pick in return since the team is rebuilding a new team either way for Herbert’s offense. Johnston will still be on a rookie contract, which could work well for these three teams.
TRADE BAIT: Chargers Former First Rounder Quentin Johnston May Be Available
3 Logical Fits
New Orleans Saints
After the latest Derek Carr injury, wide receiver Chris Olave could be close to requesting a trade, probably during the draft. This would be the perfect time for the Saints to decide on the future of their offense, but the only problem is that general manager Mickey Loomis refuses to rebuild. If he can swallow his pride, the Saints should be in the market for an active NFL wide receiver in the draft who’s already on a roster looking for a new opportunity. This might end up being Quentin Johnston, who could look to join the team in a new scenery.
While they did sign veteran Brandin Cooks, it doesn’t give the Saints enough stability for whoever will become the next signal caller for the Saints. Rashid Shaheed is their only bet, but he can’t carry this entire offense on his two feet. At least, if the Saints trade for Johnston, they get another pass-catcher that could change things around in a different scheme that may work for him.
Carolina Panthers
Meanwhile, the Panthers could use a third receiver since Adam Thielen will most likely retire next year. Xavier Legette and Jalen Coker are two uprising talents, but they’re still unproven. Even though Johnston is in that same position, the Panthers could trade for him to give him a shot to create some separation in the aerial attack as a potential homegrown talent for Bryce Young.
Dallas Cowboys
This would be the most “Cowboy” trade in the NFL draft if they acquire Johnston. After trading for unproven Kaiir Elam and Kenneth Murray on defense, no one should doubt the Cowboys will do it again for their offense. However, the team is desperate for an answer alongside CeeDee Lamb, and the team could roll the dice on the former first-rounder.
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