Dontayvion Wicks
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Packers WR Dontayvion Wicks
NFL free agency has sprung new life into the Pittsburgh Steelers after they made some key additions, including a trade for wide receiver Michael Pittman Jr. and signing Rico Dowdle to improve the offense.
There were also other notable signings, like Jamel Dean, Jaquan Brisker, Sebastian Joseph-Day and Asante Samuel Jr.
All in all, it’s given the Steelers ESPN’s top-ranked free agency class for most improved rosters, according to Ben Solak.
“Getting Pittman on the late-round pick swap,” Solak wrote. “The Colts were always going to trade him after they re-signed Alec Pierce, so they didn’t have a ton of leverage. And because Pittman is a true possession receiver, he needed to go to a team with a ton of targets to give out. There aren’t many such teams. But Pittsburgh is a great fit for him, as he pairs well with DK Metcalf (who is definitely a Steeler in 2026) and Aaron Rodgers (who is probably a Steeler in 2026).”
Pittman’s addition is a huge get for a team that struggled offensively last season, especially at wide receiver. But the former Colt may not be the only addition Pittsburgh makes to that room.
Steelers Could Target Another WR Following Michael Pittman Jr. Trade
Now that the Steelers are under new head coach Mike McCarthy, the team could be making bold decisions offensively. And he could look to his former team in the Green Bay Packers for another receiver like Dontayvion Wicks, according to AtoZ Sports’ Rob Gregson.
“If you thought the Steelers were done with their WR acquisitions after the Michael Pittman Jr. trade, think again,” Gregson wrote. “He may be the prize addition in that room when the 2026 offseason is all set and done, but the unit only features two proven pass catchers after the departure of Calvin Austin III. It’s a forgone conclusion that the Steelers will either acquire another veteran or use valuable draft capital on a WR.”
Gregson proposed that the Steelers, who have 12 total picks in this year’s draft, offer one of their fourth-round selections (No. 121 overall) in exchange for Wicks.
“Well, a trade for Wicks bridges that gap. The Steelers can part ways with an early-Day 3 pick, and in return, they receive a 24-year-old WR who has shown the ability to stretch the defense vertically in a limited role. He would be a WR No. 3/4 in Pittsburgh, but he has perimeter traits and qualities at over 6-1 and 200 pounds with decent explosive metrics. It’s a dart throw for a proven commodity with little risk and the potential for moderately high upside.”
Dontayvion Wicks Could Be Odd Man Out in Packers’ WR Room
Wicks never got to play with Aaron Rodgers in Green Bay or be coached by McCarthy. He was drafted by the Packers in 2023 in the fifth round (No. 159 overall).
Wicks, though sometimes inconsistent, has proven to be a solid WR3. Over the last three seasons, he’s totaled 108 receptions for 1,328 yards and 11 touchdowns.
The issue in Green Bay is the depth at the position. The Packers still have a crowded receiver room, which could leave Wicks fighting for a roster spot.
That’s part of why Sports Illustrated’s Bill Huber has pointed to him as a potential cut candidate, competing with players like Jayden Reed.
“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,” Huber wrote.
Still, if the Packers have the option, they would likely prefer to trade him rather than release him outright — allowing them to get something in return.
And for the Steelers, who have plenty of draft capital, it’s a move they could easily afford to make.