Let’s be clear — there’s no credible report that claims Quentin Johnston is headed to Dallas.

So don’t go pulling that nonsensical “fake news” junk on us.

But in the land of hypotheticals and smart roster construction, the idea makes too much sense not to explore.

Johnston was a first-round pick in 2023 by the Chargers — No. 21 overall — but his development has been inconsistent through two seasons. He’s had flashes, including a 13-catch, 186-yard regular-season finale, but L.A. has since drafted second-round wide receivers in consecutive years.

That’s not nothing. … and he’s now considered a fairly under-the-radar guy now.

Or … as some might call him … a “bust.”

If for some reason the Chargers are quietly ready to move on, and the asking price is a fourth-rounder, we already know the Cowboys will be at the front of the line. Because one thing’s become very clear — Dallas is comfortable flipping fourth-round picks for upside. They just did it with Jonathan Mingo and Trey Lance.

Johnston would give the Cowboys one extra “dart” to ensure they fill that X-receiver role to ,maybe complement Ceedee Lamb. They need someone with size and speed who can stretch the field from the outside which is exactly what Johnston was at TCU, where the kid from Temple, Texas, tore up the Big 12 just a few miles down the road from AT&T Stadium.

He’s got a massive frame paired with legit vertical explosion — we’re talking a 40-inch vert — and you can see the flashes when he’s on the move in space. But he’s always had inconsistent hands and has struggled to high-point the football, even against smaller corners. He also wasn’t exactly known for his ability as a physical run-blocker so that’s another factor in this equation.

Much like has been discussed by the undrafted rookie out of Oregon, Traeshon Holden: you better at the very least run block your butt off for coach Brian Schottenheimer to lobby for you.

So Johnston’s skill set is a bit of a catch-22 (pun intended). He’s got traits that scream WR1, but habits that scream work-in-progress.

Is he even better than Mingo?

Is he worthy of snaps ahead of Jalen Tolbert?

It’s really a mystery as to what he can be.

Still …. Quentin Johnston only 23 years old, and any team trading for him would have three more years of control, assuming they pick up the fifth-year option.

He’s not a sure thing. But at the right price? He’s a smart swing.