Locked On Chargers - Daily Podcast On The Los Angeles Chargers · Locked On Podcast Network, David Droegemeier, Daniel Wade

CONTROVERSIAL: Should the Chargers DECLINE Quentin Johnston's Fifth-Year Option? $18M Gamble Unpacked

February 27, 2026·16 min·1 clip

Daniel Wade and David Droegemeier clash over whether the Chargers should gamble $18 million on Quentin Johnston's fifth-year option.

This episode focuses on the Los Angeles Chargers' upcoming decision on whether to exercise wide receiver Quentin Johnston's fifth-year option for the 2027 season. Hosts Daniel Wade and David Droegemeyer, who have covered the team together for a decade, present opposing arguments on this $18 million contractual gamble. The core debate centers on Johnston's value and future performance projection. David argues the team should pick up the option, citing Johnston's 16 receiving touchdowns over the past two seasons, which ranks fifth in the NFL. He compares this production to higher-paid receivers like Jerry Jeudy, who had six touchdowns in the same span, and Deebo Samuel, who had ten. Daniel counters that receiving involves more than touchdowns, noting Johnston ranks 56th in receptions and 43rd in receiving yards over the last two years. The fully guaranteed $18 million option would currently make Johnston the 24th-highest-paid wide receiver. Daniel questions if Johnston will be a top-25 receiver, suggesting his ceiling might be a high-end WR3. A key point of agreement is the expectation that new offensive coordinator Mike McDaniel will maximize Johnston's skills in the upcoming season. The hosts highlight Johnston's ability after the catch, ranking 20th in yards after catch per reception at 5.1 yards. They reference how McDaniel previously utilized Tyreek Hill and Jaylen Waddle, who both ranked top-12 in yards after catch in 2023. Johnston forced the 13th-most missed tackles in 2025 despite what they see as suboptimal usage in prior schemes. The hosts note the difficult timing of the decision, which is due by May 1st but must be made before seeing Johnston in McDaniel's offense this season. Daniel suggests that for Johnston to justify a future salary over $18 million, he would likely need a 1,000-yard receiving season, which he is skeptical will happen. They both anticipate this will be Johnston's most efficient and best season yet due to the offensive scheme fit. The conversation is analytical and debate-driven, rooted in specific statistics and contract details. This episode is ideal for Chargers fans and NFL enthusiasts interested in team-building strategy, salary cap management, and player evaluation. Listeners who enjoy detailed statistical breakdowns and respectful debate on player value will find it engaging. Those seeking game analysis or breaking news may find the focused, forward-looking contractual discussion less appealing.

As heard by us

A Chargers debate over Quentin Johnston's fifth-year option and the decision the team faces next.

This Chargers discussion keeps its focus on one question: whether the team should pick up Quentin Johnston's fifth-year option before next season starts. Daniel Wade and David Droegemeier land on opposite sides, which gives the piece its main tension.

Read the full review in PlayNext →

Why you'd press play

Need a clear take on Quentin Johnson's fifth-year option?

Read the full recommendation in PlayNext →

Listen to the show on

Apple Podcasts Spotify

Play clips from this episode More from Locked On Chargers - Daily Podcast On The Los Angeles Chargers