On Friday, the Green Bay Packers made a trade with the Philadelphia Eagles. The Packers sent the Eagles Dontayvion Wicks in exchange for a fifth-round selection in this year’s draft and a sixth-round pick in next year’s draft. Erin Redwood here at PackersTalk did a recap of the trade in yesterday’s article, so be sure to check that out.
In today’s article, let’s evaluate the wide receiver room now that Romeo Doubs and Dontayvion Wicks are no longer in the mix. What does this mean for the group moving forward, and why did the Packers feel the need to move on from at least one receiver before the draft?
Packers Current Receiver Room
First, it’s important to establish (or predict) what the current depth chart might look like for Green Bay. Of course, you have Christian Watson as your No. 1. Jayden Reed would line up in the slot, while Matthew Golden would play opposite Watson. It’s also worth noting that Tucker Kraft should be back at the start of the season and remains a receiving threat at tight end.
That would make up the starting group, and it looks really strong. Coming off the bench, the Packers would have Savion Williams, Bo Melton, and Skyy Moore. So, the receivers I believe will make the roster are Christian Watson, Jayden Reed, Matthew Golden, Savion Williams, and Skyy Moore. Bo Melton will likely be on the bubble, depending on what happens in the draft. I also believe the Packers will select a receiver at some point, which is part of why Green Bay felt comfortable trading Wicks.
Too Many Receivers
The Packers had a logjam of talented receivers, and not everyone could get enough playing time. Matt LaFleur even mentioned that some players were unhappy with their roles last season. This seems to be directly tied to the receiver room. Simply put, there weren’t enough opportunities to go around.
Even though Romeo Doubs left for the Patriots in free agency, the Packers still had a bit of a logjam heading into this season. That said, they are also in a position where only two receivers are under contract heading into 2027. Green Bay has yet to extend Christian Watson. It seems like a June 1 move is likely once additional cap space becomes available from the Nate Hobbs post–June 1 release.
Because of the limitations of the NFL’s hard salary cap, Green Bay can’t pay everyone. That means players like Dontayvion Wicks and Jayden Reed were unlikely to receive second contracts with the team. Given that reality, the Packers need to prioritize younger players under contract. The best way to do that is through the draft. However, it’s difficult to justify keeping seven receivers on a 53-man roster—that’s why Wicks ultimately had to go.
Packers Balancing Act
It truly is a balancing act. Brian Gutekunst—and really all NFL general managers—have a tough job. They must build the best possible roster for the current season while also planning for the future of the franchise. Because of that, tough decisions like trading Dontayvion Wicks have to be made.
Speaking of balance, Matt LaFleur likes to utilize bigger-bodied receivers in his offense. He does so particularly for their contributions to the run game. However, the Packers currently have only two receivers who fit that mold: Christian Watson and Savion Williams (who isn’t a starter). Jayden Reed, Matthew Golden, and Skyy Moore don’t fall into that category, and while Dontayvion Wicks was a willing blocker, he didn’t either.
To truly balance the offense, the Packers will likely need to add another bigger-bodied receiver. That wouldn’t have been as feasible if Wicks had remained on the roster.
Overall
Expect the Packers to add a bigger-bodied receiver in the draft—maybe not early, but likely in the middle rounds. It could even come with the pick they acquired from the Eagles. The Packers continue building toward the 2026 season. That process will take another step forward in less than two weeks when they make their selections in this year’s NFL Draft.
Regardless,
Go Pack Go!
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Damon is a diehard, fully-immersed cheesehead who currently lives in southern Missouri. He teaches at a local high school and has a family YouTube channel about all things Packers. You can follow him on twitter at @packersfamily and on YouTube at The Packers Family.
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