Chargers WR receives the warning that fans have been waiting for

When the Los Angeles Chargers selected wide receiver Quentin Johnston in the first round of the 2023 NFL Draft, they were hoping he would provide Justin Herbert with an elite weapon for years to come.

Needless to say, Johnston's first couple of seasons in the pros have not exactly gone according to plan. He managed just 38 catches for 431 yards and a pair of touchdowns during his rookie campaign, and last year, he caught 55 passes for 711 yards and eight scores.

Did the TCU product show improvement in Year 2? Sure, but he also struggled with drops and inconsistency, making him arguably the most frustrating player on the Chargers' roster.

So, could Los Angeles already be losing patience with Johnston? Daniel Popper of The Athletic feels it's a possibility.

"That road will be exceedingly more difficult this year for Johnston because of the moves the Chargers made in the offseason," Popper wrote. "They signed Mike Williams in free agency, and Williams is one of Justin Herbert’s all-time favorite targets. They drafted two receivers in second-rounder Tre’ Harris and fifth-rounder KeAndre Lambert-Smith. All three of those receivers play primarily on the outside, where Johnston plays."

In other words, Johnston is going to have to work for it in training camp and preseason, which definitely puts considerable pressure on the 6-foot-4 wide out.

While it's important to keep in mind that Johnston is still just 23 years old, the Chargers are trying to contend for a Super Bowl now, so results matter. If Johnston is unable to produce at a satisfactory level, his starting job in LA could be in jeopardy.

Los Angeles Chargers receiver Quentin Johnston. — Jan 11, 2025; Houston, Texas, USA; Los Angeles Chargers wide receiver Quentin Johnston (1) makes a reception against Houston Texans corner back Derek Stingley Jr. (24) during the third quarter in an AFC wild card game at NRG Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Troy Taormina-Imagn Images | Troy Taormina-Imagn Images

— Enjoy free coverage of the Chargers from Los Angeles Chargers on SI —

More Los Angeles Chargers News:

Chargers 2025 training camp position preview: Omarion Hampton and the running backs

Chargers' Omarion Hampton, Najee Harris disrespected in new RB rankings

Chargers 2025 training camp position preview: Ladd McConkey and the wide receivers

Chargers could cheap out in contract negotiations with franchise player