The offseason has brought a myriad of roster changes for the Chargers but none is most notable than at wide receiver.
With Keenan Allen and Mike Williams gone, the Chargers are now looking to fourth-year Joshua Palmer and former first-round draft pick Quentin Johnston to step up in 2024.
General manager Joe Hortiz said that the upcoming season is Palmer’s opportunity to thrive as a starter.
“I’m really excited about Josh,” Hortiz said, per the team’s official website. “I think he is at that point in his career where he is a vet now and he’s worked under two receivers.
“When he’s been given opportunities, he’s been on the field when those two haven’t been and he’s produced for us,” Hortiz added. “I’ve gotten to know him pretty good over the past couple six weeks I’ve been here, so I expect him to step up his game.”
Since he was drafted in 2021, Palmer has 143 catches for 1,703 yards and nine touchdowns.
Head coach Jim Harbaugh believes Johnston will take great strides this year as he continues to develop.
“We’re excited about Quentin, his opportunity,” Harbaugh said.
Hortiz also added: “Every time you put on the tape, you see the talent and I expect him to make the jump. I know we have the right coaches to help him make the jump. I feel good about the guys that are here.”
As a rookie, Johnston had 38 catches for 431 yards and two touchdowns during the 2023 season.
Despite the optimism towards Palmer and Johnston, the Chargers still need to solidify the positional room, which could be done with a veteran signing in free agency and the draft.