Chargers GM Joe Hortiz Squashes Johnston Trade Talk With Two Simple Sentences

The rumor mill was working overtime on Twitter, but Los Angeles Chargers general manager Joe Hortiz just put the brakes on any Quentin Johnston trade speculation. On Thursday, he made it crystal clear: the 2023 first-round pick is not going anywhere.

"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 Option Question Looming

Here's what's actually on the table: the Chargers have until May 1 to decide whether to pick up Johnston's fifth-year option, which comes with an $18.1 million price tag and full guarantee money. Hortiz said the team is still working through that decision internally. But make no mistake, the GM's comments suggest they're leaning toward keeping their guy around.

Why They Believe in Johnston

Since Hortiz and coach Jim Harbaugh arrived in 2024, they have consistently backed Johnston's potential. That faith was real when they traded away Keenan Allen after Johnston's rough rookie year, and it's still there now. The move sent a message: we're building around this kid.

And honestly, Johnston has started to show why. Last season, he led the Chargers in touchdown catches for the second straight year with eight scores. He also posted 735 yards over 14 games, a career high. His breakout moment came in Week 16 against Dallas when he hauled in four catches for 104 yards and a touchdown. That was his third 100-yard game of his career and his only one last season.

The Chargers clearly see something in Johnston worth protecting. The May 1 deadline will tell us exactly how much.

This article was created with AI assistance and reviewed by Seattle On Tap editorial staff. Always verify information with official team sources.