Dontayvion Wicks.
Getty
Packers wide receiver Dontayvion Wicks.
The Green Bay Packers will be looking for players to step up into bigger roles at certain positions of their roster in 2026.
They lost several starters during free agency, but are confident they have enough quality depth to replace them. Green Bay will add a slew of rookies to the mix in the 2026 NFL Draft, then it will be about finding the right 53 players for the season ahead.
Like every year, some tough decisions will have to be made, potentially leading to a couple of surprise releases. Bill Huber over at Sports Illustrated recently named nine Packers who may not be on the roster by Week 1, which included two wide receivers.
Green Bay Packers WRs Jayden Reed and Dontayvion Wicks Named as Cut Candidates
Jayden Reed Green Bay Packers
Getty Green Bay Packers WR Jayden Reed
With Romeo Doubs now out of Green Bay, one would think there would be more opportunities for Reed and Wicks. However, the Packers let Doubs leave because of the impressive depth they have at wide receiver, and Huber believes there may not be room to keep everyone.
“The Packers have a sneaky need at receiver. Of their projected top six, Christian Watson, Jayden Reed, Dontayvion Wicks and Skyy Moore are under contract through only the 2026 season. That means there’s a good chance general manager Brian Gutekunst will throw a forward-thinking draft pick at the position. That, however, would mean the Packers have seven roster-worthy receivers – and that’s before even mentioning a breakout option such as Isaiah Neyor. There’s no way the Packers are going to take seven receivers into Week 1.
That means, if Gutekunst does use a quality draft pick on a receiver, someone is going to have to go. While he was banged up last year with a broken collarbone and injured foot, Reed is a big-time player. He is an explosive route runner, excellent after the catch, an underrated deep threat and a strong, positive presence in the locker room. Wicks has been inconsistent but was one of the team’s best players in the Thanksgiving win at Detroit. He’s not as good as Reed but he’s bigger and more physical.”
Who Is a Better Fit for the Packers Between Reed and Wicks?
Dontayvion Wicks Packers
GettyGreen Bay Packers WR Dontayvion Wicks
Both Reed (second round) and Wicks (fifth round) were selected in the 2023 NFL Draft. In 40 career games, Reed has recorded 138 receptions for 1,857 yards and 15 touchdowns. He has also taken 34 rushing attempts for 310 yards and three touchdowns; as well as 27 punt returns for 225 yards. A fractured collarbone cost him 10 games in 2025.
Wicks has posted 108 catches for 1,328 yards and 11 touchdowns in 46 career games played. His production took a dip last season, setting career lows in receptions, receiving yards, and touchdowns. The addition of 2025 first-round pick Matthew Golden contributed to Wicks playing a career low 408 snaps.
Wicks is a solid player and a great value as a fifth-round pick, but doesn’t have the game-changing ability that Reed brings to the table. When healthy, Reed is one of the best No. 2 receivers in the league, and provides value on special teams. If the Packers find themselves having to choose between the two, Reed is the clear answer.