Chargers Projected to Trade WR Johnston to Panthers

The proposed trade would help Los Angeles move up three spots in the draft, potentially allowing them to select Penn State guard Vega Ioane while gaining additional Day 3 draft capital. The Chargers currently hold only five picks in the upcoming draft.

Johnston could be the odd man out in new personnel packages featuring Ladd McConkey as the lead wideout and Tre' Harris as the second receiver. With executives who drafted Johnston no longer in the organization and a May 1 deadline on his $18 million fifth-year option, the Chargers may look to recoup draft capital despite Johnston's 2025 improvement of 51 receptions for 735 yards and eight touchdowns.