Packers GM Gutekunst Explains Decision to Trade Dontayvion Wicks to Eagles

The Green Bay Packers traded receiver Dontayvion Wicks to the Philadelphia Eagles earlier this month, acquiring a 2026 fifth-round pick and a 2027 sixth-round pick in return. Packers General Manager Brian Gutekunst addressed the move during a pre-draft press conference on Tuesday, framing the deal as beneficial for both Wicks and the Packers.

With multiple talented receivers on the roster, Wicks faced challenges securing a long-term role in Green Bay. Gutekunst emphasized the difficulty of parting with a player he believed in while acknowledging the team's roster depth.

"It’s always tough to move off of a player that you feel is as good as Dontayvion was for us. I think he’s got a really bright career ahead of him. The situation we were kind of in with the amount of players we had in that room, what we’re probably going to do in the future, him being in the last year of his contract, it just made a little bit of sense."

Gutekunst also highlighted the Packers' roster turnover, noting that several 2022 draft picks signed elsewhere, potentially yielding compensatory picks. However, he expressed uncertainty about future compensatory selections, making the trade for Wicks a strategic move.

"So, the ability to get two picks for a player that we weren't sure exactly how he was going to fit into our future plans, it just made a lot of sense. And I think it was good for us, and I think it’s going to be good for Dontayvion, too. I think he’ll see his opportunities increase there as well."

Following the trade, the Packers' wide receiver roster includes Christian Watson, Jayden Reed, Matthew Golden, Savion Williams, Skyy Moore, Jakobie Keeney-James, Isaiah Neyor, and Will Sheppard.

Gutekunst also underscored the value of the acquired draft picks, which provide flexibility for the upcoming draft. He noted that having additional selections allows the team to maneuver for players of interest.

"Every G.M. wants as many as you can [have], not only because of the players you can select, but the ability to move. You never like giving them up, but if there’s a player in front of you that you know you’re going to acquire, it makes it a little bit easier. So, yeah, I think we sit with eight right now. We’re looking at 11-plus for next year."

Wicks, selected in the fifth round of the 2023 draft, recorded 30 receptions for 332 yards and two touchdowns in 2025. Over his 46-game career with the Packers, he amassed 108 catches, 1,328 yards, and 11 touchdowns.