As Mark Murphy proudly announced Matthew Golden as the Green Bay Packers' first-round selection, a wave of green and gold erupted in the shadows of Lambeau Field. It also felt like a watershed moment.
Golden's arrival, soon followed by Savion Williams in the third round, effectively confirmed the inevitable departure of Christian Watson and Romeo Doubs. At least, that's what we thought.
The Packers then surprisingly handed Watson a one-year extension, and Doubs could soon follow. He has become undeniable after an electric start to the season as Jordan Love's clear top target, and a new deal is on the horizon.
According to ESPN's Jeremy Fowler, the Packers have shown "interest in potentially extending" Doubs. It would be a smart decision, as Doubs is so valuable to this offense, but it also reinforces the logjam at the wide receiver position. Something has to give.
Extending Romeo Doubs might force Packers into parting ways with Dontayvion Wicks, and they could regret it
Drafting Golden and Williams seemed to signal the end for at least one of Watson or Doubs, and perhaps both. The Packers also have Jayden Reed and Dontayvion Wicks under contract. Add in tight end Tucker Kraft, and there's almost no world where every pass-catcher can thrive in this offense.
Extending Doubs is logical, but it could make Wicks the odd receiver out, and the Packers may live to regret that.
Wicks' performances are slipping under the radar. He couldn't stop dropping passes a season ago, but the third-year receiver has fixed that problem. Wicks has caught almost everything Love has thrown his way, and mostly in key moments, with eight of his 10 receptions going for first downs.
A smooth route-runner who gets open for fun, Wicks is still a potential breakout star in this offense. He just needs an opportunity.
Unfortunately, consistent targets may never come. Doubs is the hot hand and Love's most trusted target, while Kraft has become another go-to weapon. Golden's role will continue to grow, and the Packers will get Watson back soon. Reed will also return later in the season.
There are only so many targets to go around, and when everyone is healthy, Wicks might get frozen out.
That might leave the Packers with a window to trade him. And while it would make sense to acquire draft capital before he leaves as a free agent in 2027, they may live to regret it.
Wicks could become a star for another team. He could become a star for the Packers if they'd let him. His route-running drew comparisons to Davante Adams earlier in his career, and he's now backing that up with the safe hands he previously lacked.
Re-signing Doubs makes sense — that's undeniable — but it's hard to imagine the Packers planned to burn two premium picks at wide receiver while also retaining Watson and Doubs.
It leaves them with an overcrowded receiving corps, and something has to give. Extending Doubs could push Wicks toward the exit, and the Packers may live to regret it.