The Green Bay Packers opened up the floodgates for their young receivers when they traded Dontayvion Wicks to the Philadelphia Eagles in April.
Four months later, one of Philadelphia’s biggest stars is making the deal sound like a bad one for Green Bay.
Saquon Barkley praised Wicks during an Aug. 6 appearance on “Up & Adams” from Eagles training camp, delivering his take on the former Packers receiver.
“Wicks is a steal,” Barkley said. “I don’t know how we got him.”
The comment arrived as Wicks continues to build momentum in Philadelphia.
Green Bay received a 2026 fifth-round pick and a 2027 sixth-round pick in the trade, while the Eagles gave Wicks a one-year, $12.5 million extension that keeps him under contract through 2027.
Wicks left the Packers after recording 108 catches for 1,328 yards and 11 touchdowns over three seasons.
His final year in Green Bay produced career lows of 30 receptions and 332 yards, but he still flashed with six catches, 94 yards and two touchdowns against the Detroit Lions late in the season.
Barkley Adds Fuel to Packers Trade Questions
GettyPHILADELPHIA, PENNSYLVANIA – MAY 27: Saquon Barkley #26 of the Philadelphia Eagles talks to the media during OTA offseason workouts at Jefferson Health Training Complex on May 27, 2026 in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania. (Photo by Mitchell Leff/Getty Images)
Barkley’s praise isn’t empty because it matches what reporters have observed throughout Eagles camp.
Sports Illustrated’s Jeff Kerr called Wicks the “clear front runner” for Philadelphia’s No. 2 receiver job after five practices.
Kerr reported that Wicks had developed an obvious connection with Jalen Hurts and looked comfortable working across the middle of the field.
Wicks has also received first-team work in two-receiver sets, according to Sports Illustrated’s John McMullen. His familiarity with new Eagles offensive coordinator Sean Mannion, who previously worked as the Packers’ quarterbacks coach, has helped him transition into the offense.
The former Virginia Cavalier entered Philadelphia with the route-running ability to separate and a history of creating explosive plays, including 18 rookie catches of at least 16 yards in 2023.
The Packers knew that upside existed.
However, they also reached a point where keeping every receiver wasn’t going to happen.
Green Bay extended Christian Watson and Jayden Reed during the offseason, then cleared larger roles for 2025 draft picks Matthew Golden and Savion Williams. Wicks was entering the final season of his rookie contract and appeared headed for another crowded competition for targets.
Barkley’s “steal” description doesn’t settle the trade this early, but it will raise eyebrows if Green Bay’s receiving group struggles as Hicks excels.
Packers Still Have Chance to Win Wicks Trade
GettyCHICAGO, ILLINOIS – DECEMBER 20: Head coach Matt Lafleur of the Green Bay Packers looks on prior to the game against the Chicago Bears at Soldier Field on December 20, 2025 in Chicago, Illinois. (Photo by Patrick McDermott/Getty Images)
The trade return already gave the Packers a potential contributor.
Green Bay used the No. 153 overall pick acquired from Philadelphia to select Jager Burton, a versatile center and guard from Kentucky.
Burton started at all three interior offensive line positions in college and allowed three sacks over his final three seasons.
The Packers also get Philadelphia’s sixth-round pick in the 2027 draft, making the full return too soon to judge before Wicks has played a regular-season snap for the Eagles.
Green Bay’s decision can still work if Watson, Reed and Golden form the dependable top three the organization expects.
Williams offers another developmental option, while Burton could provide inexpensive protection for the offense.
The concern is what happens if Wicks turns his early camp surge into a breakout season.
He is only 25 and has already shown he can win against NFL coverage. And based on what Green Bay’s receiver spot looks like, he could be useful enough to help notch victories.
Nonetheless, Philadelphia gave him financial security, in addition to reuniting him with familiar coaches and creating an opening for significant snaps.
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