Quentin Johnston’s Chargers exit comes quietly

A year ago Los Angeles Chargers First round pick Quentin Johnston was noted as a disappointment.

Apparently Jim Harbaugh helped change that, too.

As a rookie, Johnston came in with high expectations and viewed Justin Herbert’s offensive tackle at center as one of the best situations for a rookie to find his footing. But in 17 games, the TCU product caught just 38 of his 67 targets for 431 yards and two scores.

Going through eight games in 2024? Johnston caught 22 of 37 targets for 354 yards and six scores. His yards-per-catch average increased by nearly five yards, and his six carries are tied only in the NFL for Ja’Marr Chase, Amon-Ra St. He placed fourth behind Brown and George Kittle.

Johnston’s breakout was exactly what the Chargers needed after parting ways with Keenan Allen and Mike Williams last summer. And the craziest part? He doesn’t even lead the team in receiving, with second-round rookie Ladd McConkey breaking out with 43 catches for 615 yards and four scores.

This is perhaps one of several reasons why the Chargers remained inactive at the NFL trade deadline, even though it was clear the offense needed to get more help for Herbert.

While the Chargers currently rank as sneaky-good contenders, Johnston-McConkey is slowly looking like a one-two punch of the future for Herbert as well.

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