Chargers pick up Quentin Johnston’s 5th-year option

TL;DR

The Los Angeles Chargers have exercised the fifth-year option for wide receiver Quentin Johnston. After a promising 2024 season with 711 yards and eight touchdowns, Johnston's performance will be closely monitored under new offensive coordinator Mike McDaniel.

Key points

Chargers exercise Quentin Johnston's fifth-year option
Johnston had 711 yards and eight touchdowns in 2024
New offensive coordinator Mike McDaniel expected to improve Johnston's role

Greg RomanMike McDanielLos Angeles ChargersQuentin Johnston

FOXBOROUGH, MASSACHUSETTS - JANUARY 11: Quentin Johnston #1 of the Los Angeles Chargers gets set during the second quarter of an NFL wild card playoff football game against the New England Patriots at Gillette Stadium on January 11, 2026 in Foxborough, Massachusetts. (Photo by Brooke Sutton/Getty Images) | Getty Images 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 , 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.

Q&A

What are the details of Quentin Johnston's fifth-year option with the Chargers?

Quentin Johnston's fifth-year option is valued at $18 million, which the Chargers have officially picked up.

How did Quentin Johnston perform in the 2024 NFL season?

In the 2024 season, Quentin Johnston recorded 711 receiving yards, 55 receptions, and eight touchdowns.

What changes can be expected for Quentin Johnston under new offensive coordinator Mike McDaniel?

With Mike McDaniel as the new offensive coordinator, Johnston is expected to be utilized more effectively, improving his chances for success compared to the previous season.