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Quentin Johnston
WR · LAC

Quentin Johnston

Position WR
Team LAC
Bye Week 7
PPR Rank #116

Quentin Johnston

NFL player. Position: WR. Team: LAC.

Quick Facts

  • Position: WR
  • Team: LAC (Los Angeles Chargers)
  • Bye week (2026): 7
  • FantasyPros PPR rank (pulled 2026-05-21): 116

2026 Outlook

Johnston has steadily improved over three seasons, posting back-to-back 50+ catch, 700+ yard seasons with eight TDs each. The Chargers exercised his fifth-year option, and coach Jim Harbaugh expects a "career year" in 2026. Offensive coordinator Mike McDaniel's arrival is the key catalyst—McDaniel's 2023 Dolphins scheme produced 1,799 yards and 13 TDs for Tyreek Hill and 1,014 yards for Jaylen Waddle. With Justin Herbert running the offense and McDaniel's play-calling, Johnston is positioned to break out (per Chargers WR Quentin Johnston aiming for career year under OC Mike McDaniel: 'I'm really fired up'). SI's draft analysis frames Johnston as a "high-variance" specialist: his 51 catches (735 yards, 8 TDs) in 2025 and red-zone dominance (preferred target inside the 20) create multi-TD upside, but his 14.4 yards-per-catch average and inconsistent volume make him riskier than high-floor alternatives. Better as a best-ball/Flex home-run swing than as a weekly stable WR2 (per Michael Wilson vs. Quentin Johnston: Which WR Is the Better Fantasy Football Pick?).

Trade deadline risk (Oct 12): With the Chargers at 0-5 and facing a realistic path to 0-8 before the Nov 10 deadline, Johnston is among the veterans most likely to be traded for draft capital. His $1.12M remaining salary through 2027 makes him movable, and contenders could view him as a quick rental to upgrade their WR rooms. While Jim Harbaugh's reputation for loyalty creates uncertainty, the magnitude of the organizational crisis (0-5 start) could override typical front-office preferences. Johnston's 2026 fantasy value is now contingent on whether the Chargers actually become sellers at the deadline (per NFL Rumors: Los Angeles Chargers May Take Surprise Approach to 2026 Trade Deadline).

Draft sleeper status (Aug 2026): Fantasy analysts see Johnston as a sleeper value in late-round drafts. His per-game production has remained consistent (24th in points per game last year), and the upside exists to crack the top-21 WRs if McDaniel's system can further unlock his potential—representing strong value for draft-day managers. (per 2026 Fantasy football draft prep: Experts reveal rankings, tiers, top 150 picks, rookie strategy advice)

Oct 8 Chargers seller chatter: With Los Angeles at 0-4, NFLTradeRumors.co cites FOX's Ralph Vacchiano reporting execs view the Chargers as the "most likely team to pull the plug" at the deadline; Johnston and Khalil Mack are named as movable pieces, though one exec warned return value may be modest if the season keeps sliding. (per Chargers Potential Sellers At Trade Deadline?)

Oct 8 FOX WR trade list: Vacchiano's league sources also flagged Johnston among five WR trade targets league-wide (with Marvin Harrison Jr., Brian Thomas Jr., Chris Godwin, and Jerry Jeudy), noting first-round pedigrees and low potential acquisition cost. (per NFL Trade Deadline WR Targets Expected by League Execs)

Oct 8 trade deadline speculation: With the Chargers struggling at 0-4, Johnston has been mentioned as a potential trade candidate ahead of the Nov. 10 deadline. FanSided's trade analysis suggests Johnston could be moved for draft capital despite his $1.12M remaining salary through 2027. His 19 targets for 108 yards, 7 receptions, and 2 drops in the first four weeks has raised questions about McDaniel system fit. Some analysts argue trading him would free up cap space and allow the Chargers to rebuild around younger talent—though Johnston himself remains a capable receiver when healthy. (per These 5 Chargers shouldn't be in Los Angeles past the trade deadline)

Suffered a lower-body injury during joint practice with 49ers on 2026-08-18 while making a contested catch. Status unclear heading into Week 1, creating some uncertainty around his availability for the season opener. His injury status is particularly concerning given the McDaniel system's reliance on deep threats and the Chargers' offensive line chaos from Tyler Biadasz's concurrent season-ending injury. (per Chargers devastated by injuries in joint practice with 49ers)

Role / Depth Chart

Primary WR for the Chargers' offense. Expected to be a featured receiving target under McDaniel's system.

Injury Status

Left practice with a lower-body injury on 2026-08-18 during joint practice with 49ers, trying to come down with a contested catch. Status unclear. (per Tyler Biadasz injury: Chargers center carted off)

Oct 9, 2026 — Ruled out for Week 5 with chest injury: Johnston ruled out for Week 5 vs Denver with a chest injury. Disappointing 2026 continues (7 rec / 19 targets, 108 yards, 0 TDs through 4 games); historically posted 8 TDs per season in 2024–2025. Brenen Thompson also out; McConkey questionable. Tre' Harris gains upside targeting opportunities. (per Quentin Johnston ruled out Week 5 chest injury)

Recent News

Open Questions

(scoped to this player — pulled from Fantasy Football Open Questions)

Coaches shaping Quentin's role

Jim HarbaughHead CoachMike McDanielOffensive CoordinatorShane DayOffensive Passing Game Coordinator/Quarterbacks CoachSteve ClinkscaleDefensive Passing Game Coordinator/Defensive Backs CoachButch BarryOffensive Line CoachJosh HammondAssistant Wide Receivers/Assistant Special Teams CoachNick HardwickAssistant Offensive Line CoachSanjay LalWide Receivers Coach

What the Experts Are Saying

Underdog Fantasy Football - Josh & HaydenWeek 5 Waiver Wire - Fix Your Lineup Right Now!
Fantasy Football TodayWho to Add for Week 5? Waiver Wire Targets, Streamers & Must-Have Pickups | 2026 Fantasy Football
FantasyProsFantasy Football Waiver Wire Pickups: MUST-HAVE Targets, Streamers & Drops (Week 5)