Garrett Wilson’s New York Jets tied to $11 million Los Angeles Chargers wide receiver

When a quarterback targets a wide receiver less frequently, does that wideout become a tradable option? Is that what’s happening with Los Angeles Chargers WR Quentin Johnston?

Johnston recorded 90-95 targets in his final year with the TCU Horned Frogs in 2022. In the first year of his NFL career, he recorded 67 targets. His targets then shifted from 91 in 2024 to 78 in 2025. This trajectory will likely affect his future with the Justin Herbert-led franchise.

ESPN’s Rich Cimini reports that Johnston is a trade possibility for Garrett Wilson’s New York Jets. There are other competitors too: Jacksonville Jaguars’ Brian Thomas Jr., Green Bay Packers’ Dontayvion Wicks, and Baltimore Ravens’ Rashod Bateman. However, let’s study Johnston’s situation in depth.

Cimini’s suggestion that the Los Angeles wideout is a trade possibility arose during a discussion about the Jets. He noted that New York has addressed every positional need in 2026 free agency with one exception: wide receiver. Interestingly, the GM Darren Mougey himself was once a wide receiver on the gridiron.

Anyhow, Kansas City Chiefs head coach Andy Reid predicts that several teams will pick most of the top receivers by Day 2 of the draft.

This could align with Mougey’s plan as he holds four picks in the top 44. He may draft a WR on Day 2, or he could trade for a veteran. He has a rich history of completing 12 trades in just over a year.

Cimini also notes that this offseason has been specifically active for wide receiver trades. So, trading for someone like Los Angeles’ Quentin Johnston could happen in New York’s realm.

Beyond his target share, Johnston has so far recorded 144 receptions on 243 targets, totaling 1,877 receiving yards and 18 touchdowns in 46 games [31 starts] over three seasons.

The 24-year-old had a breakout season in 2025 despite his progress being temporarily derailed by a hamstring injury in the week leading up to Week 6. Anyhow, a change of atmosphere may help bring out the best [full potential] in him.

According to Heavy Sports’ Paul Esden Jr., the 2023 first-round pick is an attractive trade option for the Jets. The 6-foot-2, 208-pounder is only 24 years old. Over the last two seasons, he has recorded 106 receptions, 1,446 receiving yards, and 16 total touchdowns.

According to Spotrac, Johnston signed a four-year, $14.2M contract that includes a $7.3M signing bonus, $14.2M in guaranteed money, and a $3.5M average annual salary. In 2026, he is scheduled to earn a $2.6M base salary while carrying a $4.5M cap hit and a $4.5M dead cap value. His total career earnings over three years are roughly $11M.

FanSided’s Alexander Insdorf reports that in May 2026 the Chargers may have to decide on Johnston’s fifth-year option. The option is projected to be worth $18M. If the Chargers decline it, Johnston will become an unrestricted free agent in 2027, following the conclusion of the 2026 season.

Insdorf notes that while $18M is reasonable for a WR2, Johnston has yet to earn a new contract or a long-term commitment from Los Angeles. He has not yet recorded a 1,000-plus yard season.

If the Chargers turn down the wideout’s fifth-year option, two more scenarios emerge. GM Joe Hortiz could keep him and offer an extension later. That is, if his stats improve in 2026, the team could let him enter free agency in exchange for a compensatory pick, or they could trade him as an “expiring contract.”

ESPN’s Jeremy Fowler has called Quentin Johnston a potential trade target, alongside others like Baltimore Ravens’ Rashod Bateman, Philadelphia Eagles’ A. J. Brown, Green Bay Packers’ Dontayvion Wicks and Jayden Reed.

Johnston was recently linked to Geno Smith-led Jets. Would he become a favorite target for Smith in New York [after Garrett Wilson] or remain a top target for Justin Herbert in Los Angeles [after Ladd McConkey]? Only time will tell…