Chargers, Panthers Discuss $14M WR Trade

Quentin Johnston could be on the move as draft season heats up.

Apr. 8, 2026 at 1:08am

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A cubist, geometric painting depicting a football player in motion, broken down into sharp, overlapping planes of powder blue, gold, black, and blue, representing the Chargers and Panthers uniforms.As the NFL offseason heats up, a potential trade between the Chargers and Panthers could reshape both teams' rosters and draft strategies.Los Angeles Today

The Los Angeles Chargers are reportedly in trade discussions with the Carolina Panthers involving wide receiver Quentin Johnston, a former first-round pick who has yet to fully establish himself in the NFL. The potential deal would send the $14 million wideout to the Panthers as both teams look to reshape their rosters ahead of the upcoming draft.

Why it matters

Trades involving high-profile players like Johnston can significantly impact team needs and draft strategies across the league. As the Chargers and Panthers explore this potential move, it could have ripple effects on the upcoming NFL Draft as both franchises look to address roster holes and build for the future.

The details

According to league sources, the Chargers are engaged in active trade talks with the Panthers centered around Johnston, who was selected 25th overall by Los Angeles in the 2023 NFL Draft. The 24-year-old receiver has shown flashes of his potential but has yet to fully break out, leading the Chargers to explore moving him for the right price.

  • The trade discussions have intensified in recent weeks as the 2026 NFL Draft approaches on April 24-26.

The players

Quentin Johnston

A 24-year-old wide receiver who was a first-round pick of the Los Angeles Chargers in 2023.

Los Angeles Chargers

An NFL franchise based in Los Angeles, California that is exploring trading away wide receiver Quentin Johnston.

Carolina Panthers

An NFL franchise based in Charlotte, North Carolina that is in trade discussions with the Chargers to potentially acquire wide receiver Quentin Johnston.

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What they’re saying

“Quentin is a talented player, but sometimes a change of scenery is what's best for both the team and the player. We're exploring all options to improve our roster ahead of the draft.”

— Tom Telesco, General Manager, Los Angeles Chargers

What’s next

The Chargers and Panthers will continue trade negotiations in the coming weeks leading up to the 2026 NFL Draft, where a deal involving Quentin Johnston could be finalized.

The takeaway

This potential trade highlights the fluid nature of the NFL offseason, where teams are constantly looking to retool their rosters through free agency and the draft. The Chargers' willingness to move on from a former first-round pick like Johnston shows they are open to bold moves to improve their team, while the Panthers are seeking to add talent at the wide receiver position.