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Chargers Exercise Fifth-Year Option on Quentin Johnston
The Los Angeles Chargers announced on Tuesday that they exercised the fifth-year option on wide receiver Quentin Johnston. Johnston was taken by the Bolts with the 21st overall pick in the 2023 NFL draft out of TCU. He was looking like a first-round bust after a very disappointing rookie year that involved plenty of miscues and drops. The 24-year-old then bounced back in 2024 with 55 catches, 711 yards, and eight touchdowns in 15 regular-season games. Johnston had a similar campaign in 2025, finishing with a 51-735-8 line in 14 regular-season starts. The Chargers did add receiver Brenen Thompson in the draft this year, but as long as the team doesn't re-sign veteran Keenan Allen, Johnston should be quarterback Justin Herbert's primary deep threat through the air in 2026. The 6-foot-2, 208-pounder has been a boom/bust WR4/flex as a big-play receiver, but he could have even more upside in new offensive coordinator Mike McDaniels' scheme in his fourth NFL season.
Source: Los Angeles Chargers
Source: Los Angeles Chargers
Omarion Hampton Faces Minimal Competition After the NFL Draft
Los Angeles Chargers running back Omarion Hampton remains the clear-cut No. 1 option on the depth chart heading into May. The Chargers didn't select a running back in the 2026 NFL Draft, leaving Hampton in the lead-back role and Keaton Mitchell as his projected backup. Mitchell has flashed burst and productivity in the past, and he averages 6.34 yards per carry so far in his career. While his speed fits nicely in offensive coordinator Mike McDaniel's system, he offers an occasional burst or big play, rather than every-down consistency. The every-down role should remain with Hampton, who averaged 60.6 rushing yards, 3.6 catches, 21.3 receiving yards, and 0.6 touchdowns per game while dodging injuries as a rookie last year. He remains the overall RB8 in RotoBaller's latest dynasty fantasy football rankings.
Source: RotoBaller
Source: RotoBaller
Chargers Select Brenen Thompson in the Fourth Round
The Los Angeles Chargers have selected Mississippi State wide receiver Brenen Thompson with the 105th overall pick in the fourth round of the 2026 NFL Draft. Thompson had an explosive 2025 season with the Bulldogs, catching 57 passes for an SEC-leading 1,054 receiving yards. He also had six receiving touchdowns and one rushing touchdown. He'll presumably slot into the No. 4 receiver spot on the depth chart behind Ladd McConkey, Quentin Johnston, and Tre' Harris. While he's buried in the pecking order for now, he certainly has long-term dynasty appeal, especially in an offense quarterbacked by Justin Herbert. Thompson entered this year's draft as the overall WR146 in RotoBaller's latest dynasty fantasy football rankings.
Source: Aaron Wilson
Source: Aaron Wilson
Akheem Mesidor Selected 22nd Overall by Chargers
The Los Angeles Chargers have selected defensive end Akheem Mesidor with the 22nd overall pick out of Miami. Mesidor began his time in college playing for West Virginia before joining the Hurricanes for his final three campaigns. During his first season in Miami (2022), Mesidor immediately made a significant impact, tallying 7.0 sacks with 10.5 tackles for loss, the second-highest of his career. He then missed most of the 2023 season due to a foot injury, but quickly found his stride and went on to string together two productive seasons to finish his career. In 2025, Mesidor totaled a season-best 12.5 sacks and emerged as one of the premier edge rushers in this class. While he is one of the older prospects in this class and has dealt with serious injuries, he has the potential to make a massive impact on the field. He will look to bolster a Chargers defense that totaled the 10th-most sacks in football last season.
Source: Ari Meirov
Source: Ari Meirov
Chargers Not Closing the Door on a Reunion With Keenan Allen
Los Angeles Chargers general manager Joe Hortiz isn't ruling out a reunion with free-agent veteran wide receiver Keenan Allen, according to Daniel Popper of The Athletic. "I wouldn't say the room is complete," Hortiz said. The most interesting available receiver in free agency that the Chargers could consider is Tyreek Hill (knee), who has previous experience in new offensive coordinator Mike McDaniel's scheme. In addition to Allen and Hill, Jauan Jennings and Deebo Samuel Sr. are available and could be added to a WR room in L.A. that includes Ladd McConkey, Quentin Johnston, and Tre' Harris. McConkey saw his fantasy stock fall considerably in 2025 in his sophomore season with the return of Allen, who finished with 81 receptions for 777 yards and four touchdowns in 17 regular-season games in his 13th year in the league after a one-year stay with the Chicago Bears in 2024. Re-signing with the Bolts would probably be the best-case scenario for Allen's 2026 fantasy value as he nears the end of his illustrious career.
Source: The Athletic - Daniel Popper
Source: The Athletic - Daniel Popper
Tre' Harris Offers Buy-Low Upside for Dynasty Managers
A second-round pick in the 2025 NFL Draft, Los Angeles Chargers wide receiver Tre' Harris did not get many chances to contribute to his team's offense as a rookie. Across 17 games, the 24-year-old recorded 30 receptions for 324 yards and one touchdown on 43 targets. Harris largely operated as the fifth target in the Chargers' passing game behind wide receivers Ladd McConkey, Keenan Allen, and Quentin Johnston, as well as tight end Oronde Gadsden. Allen currently remains unsigned heading into 2026, which could open the door for Harris to move into a more prominent role in Los Angeles. The Chargers also replaced former offensive coordinator Greg Roman with former Miami Dolphins head coach Mike McDaniel, which could lead to a more pass-happy offense overall. Harris still faces an uphill battle to make a significant contribution in Los Angeles, but he could be a decent buy-low target for dynasty managers after his quiet rookie year.
Source: RotoBaller
Source: RotoBaller
Rashawn Slater, Joe Alt Expected to Participate in Offseason Program
Los Angeles Chargers general manager Joe Hortiz thinks that both offensive tackles Rashawn Slater (knee) and Joe Alt (ankle) will participate at some point in the team's offseason program, which begins next Monday, according to Eric Smith of Chargers.com. "Yeah, I think they'll be involved in some capacity. Coming back from injuries, you don't rush anything, there's no need to rush it," Hortiz said. "Let them come back, be healthy, the target is for the start of training camp. But I think they'll be out there getting some work." Slater suffered a ruptured patellar tendon in training camp last summer and missed the entire 2025 season, while Alt made the Pro Bowl despite playing in only six games due to a season-ending ankle injury. With both Slater and Alt sidelined for all but six games last season, the protection for quarterback Justin Herbert really broke down. Having a healthy Slater and Alt in 2026 could be a difference-maker for the Chargers' QB and the entire offense in general under new coordinator Mike McDaniel.
Source: Chargers.com - Eric Smith
Source: Chargers.com - Eric Smith
Chargers Shut Down Trade Rumors Surrounding Quentin Johnston
Los Angeles Chargers general manager Joe Hortiz has shut down trade rumors surrounding wide receiver Quentin Johnston, according to Kris Rhim of ESPN. "There's a lot of rumors out there on Twitter," Hortiz said. "And I can tell you this, I have made zero calls about Quentin, and I've had zero calls regarding Quentin." The Chargers are still discussing the decision on whether to pick up Johnston's fifth-year option, which would pay him $18.1 million fully guaranteed in 2027. L.A. must decide before May 1. Hortiz and head coach Jim Harbaugh have supported Johnston all along, which was evident after they traded Keenan Allen to the Chicago Bears after Johnston's poor rookie season. The 24-year-old former 21st overall pick in 2023 out of TCU has rewarded the team's faith, going over 700 receiving yards in each of the last two years while scoring eight times each season in 29 total regular-season games. He led the Bolts in TDs and had a career-high 735 yards over 14 games in 2025. With Allen unlikely to return in 2026, Johnston should once again be a focal point through the air for quarterback Justin Herbert in his fourth NFL campaign.
Source: ESPN.com - Kris Rhim
Source: ESPN.com - Kris Rhim
Chargers, Derwin James Expected to Pick Up Contract Talks After Draft
Los Angeles Chargers general manager Joe Hortiz said that he's been in touch with safety Derwin James and outside linebacker Tuli Tuipulotu's agents about their contract extensions, and those talks are expected to "heat up" after the upcoming NFL draft next week, according to Kris Rhim of ESPN. James is expected to want a new deal before the start of training camp at the end of July, and depending on how contract talks go after the 2026 draft, he could be a holdout for offseason team activities and mandatory minicamp. Tuipulotu could be in the same boat this offseason. James, 29, only played in five games from 2019 to 2020 due to injuries. But since then, the former 17th overall pick in 2018 out of Florida State has played in at least 14 games a year since the start of the 2021 campaign. The five-time Pro Bowler and former All-Pro continues to be a tackling machine at defensive back in IDP fantasy formats. James had 94 tackles (50 solo), two sacks, six tackles for loss, eight QB hits, a career-high three interceptions, seven pass breakups, and a forced fumble in 16 regular-season starts in 2025. Most likely, James and the Chargers will be able to work something out to keep him happy.
Source: ESPN.com - Kris Rhim
Source: ESPN.com - Kris Rhim
Kimani Vidal's Playing Time in Los Angeles an Open Question Heading into 2026
After starting the 2025 season on the practice squad, Los Angeles Chargers running back Kimani Vidal was not expected to play a significant role in his team's offense. However, early-season injuries to Chargers backs Omarion Hampton and Najee Harris led to Vidal spending a sizable chunk of the year as his team's lead rusher. Across 13 games, the 24-year-old collected 779 yards from scrimmage and four touchdowns on 171 touches. Los Angeles re-signed Vidal this offseason, so he will be back in the mix for the Chargers in 2026. Still, Hampton is expected to be fully healthy and will likely return to the RB1 role. Additionally, Los Angeles signed former Baltimore Ravens running back Keaton Mitchell in free agency, which could push Vidal to the Chargers RB3 role. Despite the surprisingly strong year in 2025, Vidal's fantasy value in dynasty formats is questionable heading into 2026.
Source: RotoBaller
Source: RotoBaller
Derwin James Jr. Looking for a New Deal?
ESPN's Kris Rhim writes that Los Angeles Chargers safety Derwin James Jr., who is coming off back-to-back All-Pro seasons, will "almost certainly want a new deal before training camp starts." A deal will likely get done for a player who turns 30 in August and is heading into the final season of a four-year contract extension that made him the highest-paid safety in league history in 2022. James was a hold-in during training camp the last time he was eligible for an extension. The Chargers might have to make him the highest-paid safety in history again, or at least close, after Ravens safety Kyle Hamilton set the new mark with a four-year, $100.4 million deal in 2025. It remains to be seen if general manager Joe Hortiz is willing to give Hames that kind of money. The 29-year-old finished as the No. 20 fantasy defensive back in IDP leagues last year with 94 tackles (50 solo), two sacks, six tackles for loss, eight QB hits, a career-high three interceptions, seven pass breakups, and a forced fumble in 16 regular-season starts.
Source: ESPN.com - Kris Rhim
Source: ESPN.com - Kris Rhim
Chargers Officially Re-Sign Kimani Vidal
The Los Angeles Chargers officially re-signed exclusive-rights free-agent running back Kimani Vidal to an undisclosed one-year deal, according to Howard Balzer of Cardinals Wire. Vidal saw a lot more work in 2025 than probably anyone was expecting, even Vidal. Early-season injuries to Najee Harris (Achilles) and Omarion Hampton (ankle) forced the 24-year-old into the RB1 role in L.A. last year, and it led to 155 carries for 643 yards and three touchdowns in 13 regular-season games. Vidal also had 16 receptions on 22 targets for 136 yards and another touchdown as a receiver. Harris won't return to the Chargers, but the Chargers added Keaton Mitchell to the running back room alongside Hampton, who will be in his second season in the NFL. Vidal figures to be the favorite to win the RB2 role to begin next season, but Mitchell will probably take a lot of valuable pass-catching opportunities. At best, Vidal will probably be a handcuff option for managers who select Hampton.
Source: Cardinals Wire - Howard Balzer
Source: Cardinals Wire - Howard Balzer
Quentin Johnston Presented with Opportunity for More Volume
Los Angeles Chargers wide receiver Quentin Johnston is on track to handle an increased workload during the 2026 season. Keenan Allen remains a free agent, and at this point, it seems unlikely that he'll return to the Bolts. Barring a big Tre' Harris breakout, Johnston should take over as the Chargers' No. 2 wide receiver behind Ladd McConkey. The TCU product's biggest issue in the past has been drops, so he'll need to demonstrate more reliable hands in order to thrive with additional volume. We saw his improved catching skills last year, as he finished the season with a career-low two drops despite handling a career-high 77% snap share. Managers should feel encouraged by his reliability last season, when he finished as the WR34 with 735 yards and eight touchdowns. He's trending up and represents an intriguing target in dynasty leagues.
Source: RotoBaller
Source: RotoBaller
Can Ladd McConkey Recapture Rookie-Season Magic?
Los Angeles Chargers wide receiver Ladd McConkey burst onto the scene as a 2024 rookie, finishing his first season with 1,149 yards and seven touchdowns on a team-leading 82 receptions. He entered his second season priced as a low-end WR1 in both redraft and dynasty leagues as fantasy managers underestimated the impact of a returning Chargers legend. Keenan Allen came back to Los Angeles in 2025 as a 33-year-old veteran and promptly led the team in targets and receptions, operating primarily in the same short-to-intermediate parts of the field as McConkey. Heading into the NFL Draft, Allen remains unsigned, and McConkey should see every chance to thrive in new offensive coordinator Mike McDaniel's rhythm-based scheme that will maximize his ability to add yards after the catch. Among players with at least a 60% snap share out of the slot, McConkey's 4.8 yards after catch average through his first two seasons already lands him near the top of the league, but McDaniel should repeatedly motion him into position to make even greater use of his 4.39-speed and return to something resembling his rookie form.
Source: RotoBaller
Source: RotoBaller
Justin Herbert a Dynasty Target with New-Look Offense Around Him?
Los Angeles Chargers quarterback Justin Herbert is coming off his best fantasy season since 2021, and there's a real chance that he could continue to trend upward going forward. Herbert was the overall QB10 in fantasy football last season, tallying 26 passing touchdowns but throwing 13 interceptions. It was his highest interception total since, ironically, that aforementioned 2021 campaign. Managers should be optimistic about the future outlook of the first-round pick, given the state of the offense. For starters, the Chargers hired offensive coordinator Mike McDaniel, a potential play-calling mastermind who can maximize the upside of his players. The Chargers also made a concerted effort to bolster their league-worst offensive line. Now, Herbert will have Cole Strange and Tyler Biadasz in front of him, and he should also get star tackles Rashawn Slater (knee) and Joe Alt (ankle) back from injury. The only glaring subtraction is wide receiver Keenan Allen, but Herbert should still have plenty of reliable targets in Ladd McConkey, Quentin Johnston, and Oronde Gadsden III. With a solidified offense around him, Herbert can be a top-10 fantasy quarterback with top-five upside in 2026 and beyond. He's an intriguing target in dynasty leagues this offseason.
Source: RotoBaller
Source: RotoBaller
