Following a dismal regular season, Los Angeles Chargers owner Dean Spanos opted to make significant changes within the organization. General manager Tom Telesco and head coach Brandon Staley were dismissed, with Joe Hortiz and Jim Harbaugh taking over their respective roles.
The Chargers recognized the need for a major overhaul, and with these new appointments, they now have the potential foundation in place to correct their course.
Hortiz faces some difficult decisions this offseason as the team currently sits over the salary cap, meaning they’ll need to lean on younger talent to make an impact in 2024.One p
layer who could see an increased role is wide receiver Quentin Johnston, especially with Mike Williams recovering from an injury and Keenan Allen aging. Despite a challenging rookie season, Johnston remains optimistic that his breakthrough is yet to come, according to B/R Gridiron. “I feel like I’m due for a breakout,” Johnston said.
The Chargers were hopeful when they selected Johnston in the first round of the 2023 NFL Draft, envisioning him as a dynamic, big-bodied receiver with speed to complement Justin Herbert’s arm.
However, Johnston’s rookie campaign didn’t go as planned, with his playing time diminishing as the season wore on. He did, however, get more opportunities towards the end of the year when Williams and Allen were sidelined.
By the end of the season, Johnston had accumulated 38 receptions, 431 yards, and two touchdowns—far below the expectations set for him.
With Harbaugh now leading the charge, there’s hope that Johnston will be better integrated into the offense, helping him fulfill his potential and live up to his first-round draft status.
