The Green Bay Packers’ young receiving corps showed promise in 2023, but regression became a meaningful factor in 2024. The team recorded the third-most drops in the NFL, with Dontayvion Wicks and Jayden Reed ranking second and third in drop rate among wideouts with at least 40 targets.
DK Metcalf recently requested a trade, generating intrigue among Green Bay’s fan base. Josh Jacobs and Davante Adams have said the Packers need an established No. 1 receiver, and ESPN’s Rob Demovsky reported that the team will be active in the receiver market this offseason.
Reports indicate Seattle is seeking a return similar to what the Tennessee Titans received for A.J. Brown. The Philadelphia Eagles sent Tennessee a package that included the 18th- and 101st-overall picks in 2022. However, Brown was 24 at the time of the trade, while Metcalf will turn 28 during the season, making it unlikely that the Seahawks will get a comparable offer.
Brian Gutekunst is unlikely to negotiate with the Seahawks at their current price. Green Bay could include a young receiver to lower Seattle’s demands, but the Packers expect Christian Watson to return in December, and he should be off the table. Jayden Reed is too valuable, leaving Romeo Doubs and Wicks as potential trade pieces.
Between Doubs and Wicks, it would be wise for the Packers not to entertain the idea of including Wicks in any package for Metcalf. I’m not knocking Doubs’ talent, but Wicks excels in the areas that translate to long-term success as an NFL wide receiver.
Like the rest of Green Bay’s receiver room, Wicks struggled with drops, posting a zero catch score last year. However, he earned an impressive 84 open score, tied for fourth in the NFL. If he can improve his catching, he’ll be a major problem for every defense.
In examining target rates (TPRR) and average yards per route run (AY/RR), some of the league’s top wide receivers were targeted at high rates while pushing the ball downfield. Among these names, Wicks stood out alongside the likes of A.J. Brown, Mike Evans, and Nico Collins.
“I’m excited about him and what he can become because we all see the talent,” Matt LaFleur said in October. “He is tough to guard on the line of scrimmage. I know what he’s capable of doing. We just have to get it out on a consistent basis.”
The average NFL fan often underestimates how much teams value separation as the most crucial trait for any wide receiver. A prime example of this came during the 2024 draft when the San Francisco 49ers were reportedly more inclined to trade Deebo Samuel than Brandon Aiyuk.
Despite Samuel being the more complete player, Aiyuk is a more polished receiver who consistently creates separation on crucial downs. Trading Aiyuk would leave the Niners without a reliable primary receiving option, whereas moving Samuel would still leave them with physical playmakers like George Kittle.
It’s too soon to give up on Wicks. While there are no guarantees he will improve in 2025, what’s out there to prove he can’t get better next year? At just 23 years old with two years left on his deal, the Packers should have no rush even to consider moving him.
Khalil Shakir recently re-signed with the Buffalo Bills on a four-year, $60.2 million contract. Shakir has recorded 125 receptions for 1,593 yards and seven touchdowns, while Doubs, in the final year of his rookie deal, has tallied 147 receptions for 1,700 yards and 15 touchdowns.
Given these numbers, one would expect Doubs’ contract to be more expensive. Considering Doubs’ injury history, would the Packers be willing to commit around $18 to $20 million per year to him? That’s another factor that makes including Doubs in a trade, rather than Wicks, a more compelling option.
Wicks could follow a similar path to Davante Adams and become a top-tier player. I’m not saying he will reach Adams’ level, but he has the talent to become a go-to wideout. However, he needs to address his drop issues. Ironically, Adams faced the same problem in 2015, his second year in the league, but the Packers didn’t give up on him – and the rest is history.
From a contract standpoint, it makes no sense to move on from Wicks. His great separation skills also give him an edge over the other receivers in the room, which could position him as a candidate to outlast every other receiver in Green Bay.
