Ex TCU Star Quentin Johnston Linked to Chargers' Rival in Trade Rumor

Former Horned Frog Quentin Johnston could be approaching a significant turning point in his NFL career, with the Los Angeles Chargers reportedly facing questions about his future ahead of the league's trade deadline.

According to some recent rumors, Johnston has been linked with the Kansas City Chiefs, where he could team up with Patrick Mahomes. However, the proposed deal remains speculative, and several factors could prevent the two AFC West rivals from completing a trade.

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Johnston entered the NFL with considerable expectations after the Chargers selected him with the 21st overall pick in the 2023 NFL Draft. The former Horned Frog was one of the most productive receivers in college football during his time at TCU, using his combination of size, speed, and sheer athleticism to create matchup problems for opposing defenses.

His professional career has featured both encouraging stretches and frustrating inconsistencies. After catching 38 passes for 431 yards and two touchdowns as a rookie, Johnston showed improvement over the following two seasons. He recorded 55 receptions for 711 yards and eight touchdowns in 2024 before finishing the 2025 campaign with 51 catches for 735 yards and another eight touchdowns.

Those performances suggested Johnston was beginning to develop into a reliable contributor for Los Angeles. His start to the 2026 season, however, has been considerably less productive.

Through his first five appearances, Johnston has recorded just eight receptions for 165 yards without a touchdown. The Chargers have struggled as a team, falling to 0-6, and their disappointing start has increased speculation that the organization could consider moving players before the trade deadline.

Kansas City presents an intriguing possibility because of its need for additional receiving help. The Chiefs have championship aspirations and could benefit from adding another downfield threat to quarterback Patrick Mahomes' passing attack after an injury to Tyquan Thornton, who Mahomes had begun to form a connection with.

Johnston's physical tools could make him an appealing option if the organization believes it can help him become more consistent.

Still, a potential deal would come with complications. The Chargers would have to consider whether they want to send a former first-round selection to a division rival. Johnston's fifth-year contract option, which carries a reported $16.5 million figure in the original trade proposal, could also make Kansas City hesitant to pursue the move.

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For Johnston, a change of scenery could provide an opportunity to reset his career and rediscover the form he showed during his final seasons at TCU.

Nothing has been finalized, and the Chiefs remain only a speculative destination. Nevertheless, with the Chargers struggling and the trade deadline approaching, Johnston's future is becoming an increasingly important storyline for the former TCU star.