Chargers GM shuts down Johnston trade rumors

TL;DR

Chargers GM Joe Hortiz dismissed trade rumors about wide receiver Quentin Johnston, stating he has received no inquiries. The team is still evaluating whether to exercise Johnston's fifth-year option worth $18.1 million.

Key points

Chargers GM Joe Hortiz denies trade rumors about Quentin Johnston
Johnston's fifth-year option deadline is May 1
The option is worth $18.1 million, fully guaranteed
Hortiz and coach Jim Harbaugh value Johnston's potential
Johnston has shown improvement over the last two years

Los Angeles ChargersQuentin JohnstonKeenan Allen

LOS ANGELES -- Chargers general manager Joe Hortiz shut down trade rumors Thursday surrounding wide receiver Quentin Johnston, making it clear that the former first round pick isn't available.

"There's a lot of rumors out there on Twitter," Hortiz said. "And I can tell you this, I have made zero calls about Quentin, and I've had zero calls regarding Quentin."

The Chargers have until May 1 to pick up Johnston's fifth-year option, which is set to be worth $18.1 million, fully guaranteed. Hortiz said the team is still discussing the decision.

Since they took the job in 2024, Hortiz and coach Jim Harbaugh have always been enamored with Johnston's upside. And the opportunities they've given Johnston despite inconsistencies and the decision to trade wide receiver Keenan Allen after Johnston's poor rookie season, support that belief.

That faith has paid off. Over the last two years, Johnston's shown some of the promise that made him a top pick.

Johnston led the Chargers in touchdowns for the second season in a row last year with eight and had a career-high 735 yards over 14 games. His best game came in Week 16 against the Dallas Cowboys, when he reeled in four catches for 104 yards and a touchdown. It was the third 100-yard game of his career and his only 100-yard game last season.

Still, Johnston has been at the center of trade rumors as the Chargers head into next season with a crowded wide receiver room that includes Ladd McConkey and last year's draft picks Tre' Harris and KeAndre Lambert-Smith. For now, it appears he'll remain in Los Angeles for at least another season.

"We're really excited about the wide receiver room," Hortiz said. "[Offensive Coordinator] Mike [McDaniel] has talked about it. Just development, all those guys have made. All starting with [Johnston]. Watching him get better year after year after year."

Q&A

What did Chargers GM Joe Hortiz say about Quentin Johnston's trade rumors?

Joe Hortiz stated that he has made zero calls about Quentin Johnston and has received no calls regarding him, effectively shutting down the trade rumors.

What is the deadline for the Chargers to pick up Quentin Johnston's fifth-year option?

The Chargers have until May 1 to decide on picking up Quentin Johnston's fifth-year option, which is set to be worth $18.1 million, fully guaranteed.

How has Quentin Johnston performed since being drafted by the Chargers?

Since being drafted, Johnston has shown promise over the last two years despite a challenging rookie season, which included the trade of Keenan Allen.