An NFL trade idea sending a talented WR to the Carolina Panthers has been created.
An NFL trade idea pairing Carolina Panthers QB Bryce Young with a talented 24-year-old WR has been created.
ESPN's Bill Barnwell proposed that the Panthers trade for Los Angeles Chargers WR Quentin Johnston:
Panthers get: 1-22, WR Quentin Johnston
"Perennially in the market for playmakers to make Bryce Young's life easier, the Panthers could very well use another first-round pick on a wide receiver in this year's draft," Barnwell wrote. "I would prefer to see them address the defense, though, and this is a way for Dan Morgan's team to get out of Day 1 of the draft with both a playmaker and a new starter on the defensive side of the ball.
"The Panthers have targeted supersized receivers for their diminutive quarterback, and 6-4 Johnston fits the bill here. Drops have obviously been a concern, but Johnston can make contested catches and offers downfield explosiveness. He is coming off a 735-yard season in 2025, but Johnston was off to a hot start before the injuries at tackle and the ascension of tight end Oronde Gadsden limited his downfield opportunities."
Johnston played in 14 games for the Chargers last season. He put up 51 catches for 735 receiving yards and eight receiving touchdowns.
A TCU product, Johnston has been in the NFL since 2023. He has 144 career receptions for 1,877 receiving yards and 18 receiving touchdowns.
Young finished the 2025 season with 3,011 passing yards, 23 passing touchdowns, 11 interceptions, 216 rushing yards and two rushing touchdowns. He led the Panthers to the playoffs for the first time since the 2017 campaign.
Carolina's offense has to be more explosive next season and trading for Johnston would give Young another playmaker to target.
Young enters next season with 8,291 passing yards, 49 passing touchdowns, 30 interceptions, 718 rushing yards and eight rushing touchdowns in a Carolina uniform. He's 14-30-0 as a starter.
The Panthers lost to the Los Angeles Rams in the 2026 playoffs' wild-card round at home. Young played well in his playoff debut. The youngster had 264 passing yards, one passing touchdown and one rushing touchdown.
It will be fascinating to see if Carolina pursues a trade for a WR this offseason. Johnston next to Tetairoa McMillan would be fun to watch.
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