There's no smoke without fire.
Dontayvion Wicks' name has once again come up in trade rumors, this time from ESPN reporter Rich Cimini, who covers the New York Jets. According to Cimini, Wicks is among a handful of receivers who have been "mentioned" as a trade possibility for the Jets.
It's not the first time -- Wicks was mentioned as a trade candidate before the first week of free agency. The initial report came from ESPN's Jeremy Fowler, who included Wicks in a list of pass-catchers who were "potentially available." Jayden Reed's name also came up in Fowler's report, although he noted that the Packers likely wouldn't consider moving their 2023 second-round pick.
Packers wide receiver Dontayvion Wicks is again named as a potential trade candidate
Cimini's update arrives almost a month after Fowler's pre-free agency intel, which would suggest teams are still interested in Wicks.
Several wide receivers found new homes in free agency, including Romeo Doubs, Mike Evans, and Wan'Dale Robinson. The Jets, notably, didn't add a pass-catcher on the open market.
New York needs more competition at wide receiver behind Garrett Wilson and Adonai Mitchell. Wicks is buried on the Packers' depth chart, but he could immediately compete for the WR2 or WR3 role in the Big Apple. The Jets have a million needs, and surrounding Geno Smith with more receiving talent is among them.
Even after losing Doubs, the Packers still have a logjam at wide receiver.
Wicks has shown flashes of star potential across three seasons, but either through inconsistent play or simply a lack of opportunities, he's never ascended to the next level. With only a year remaining on his rookie contract, Green Bay could decide to cash in now and acquire draft capital before he hits free agency.
The Packers will likely extend Christian Watson's contract this summer, and they also have a big decision with Reed, who is also in a contract year. Matthew Golden and Savion Williams will also compete for snaps, while tight end Tucker Kraft will resume his role as one of Jordan Love's top targets when he returns from a torn ACL.
That might not leave much room for Wicks, who is undeniably talented but has yet to secure a full-time role.
Head coach Matt LaFleur said that "some guys that were upset about roles last year," which "took a toll on our football team." To be clear, he didn't name Wicks or any specific player, but it would be understandable if Wicks were among them.
He has the talent to land a starting gig somewhere, but in Green Bay, that opportunity just hasn't been there.
The Wicks trade rumors won't go away, and for now, it would seem the Packers haven't shut the door, either.