Uneasy - adjective: Slightly worried or uncomfortable about a particular situation. Yeah, that's about right.
Turns out, Howie Roseman isn't Jerry Jones. The Philadelphia Eagles are far better traders than their loud NFC East rivals, as the Green Bay Packers are quickly finding out.
The Dontayvion Wicks deal divided Packers fans.
On paper, the Packers receiving picks in the fifth and sixth rounds for Wicks was a good result. He had a year left on his contract, wasn't likely to start, and netted Green Bay more draft capital than it used to select him three years earlier. It especially helps that the first of those picks turned into Jager Burton, who looks like a future starter.
The Eagles are even more delighted with the deal. Wicks is shining at training camp, and he's earned the highest of endorsements from All-Pro running back Saquon Barkley.
"Tay is a steal. I don't like speaking too high because I don't want to put too much pressure, but this guy can handle it. I love everything that he's about," Barkley told Kay Adams while appearing on the Up & Adams Show.
"Shoutout to Howie (Roseman) again. I don't know how he got him for whatever round we traded for him. He just brings a different type of energy for the wide receiver group. He's a violent route-runner, he's violent catching the ball, but he'll also put his face in there and block at a high level."
Dontayvion Wicks' breakout might finally arrive at the Packers' expense
It comes at a time when Green Bay's receiving depth is far less certain than in previous seasons.
The Packers' decision to streamline their wide receiver room has its benefits. They now have a clear starting trio of Christian Watson, Matthew Golden, and Jayden Reed. By all accounts, it's working. Jordan Love said it has helped build better timing with his receivers.
Beyond those three? Far shakier.
Savion Williams has yet to make a significant impact at training camp. As Bill Huber of Packers On SI reported from the first padded practice, Williams even lost snaps to Will Sheppard in the second-team offense. That needs to change. Skyy Moore and Bo Melton mostly play special teams. Sheppard, J. Michael Sturdivant, and Isaiah Neyor have made plays, but they still have a lot of work to do.
The production Packers have lost from Romeo Doubs and Dontayvion Wicks
Player | Targets in 2025 |
|---|---|
Doubs and Wicks | 131 (46.1%) |
Every other WR | 153 (53.9%) |
That's where the Packers miss Wicks.
He had frustrating moments in Green Bay, but also showed special potential. It's why he drew comparisons to Davante Adams. Wicks' release, his route-running, his habit of stepping up at crucial moments. The Packers have lost that.
And the Eagles are seeing up close just how good he can be. Last month, Eagles head coach Nick Sirianni said of Wicks: "He reminds me of Keenan Allen."
"With the way they are off the line of scrimmage, the way they are at the top of the route, with the way they are with the ball in their hands, he just really reminds me of him in that aspect," he added.
To anyone outside of the building, that sounds like a massive overreaction. But Packers fans get it. We saw those same elite traits and special moments from Wicks during his time in Green Bay.
Green Bay's 2023 fifth-round pick is finally getting the opportunity to shine. Listening to comments from Eagles fans, Sirianni, and now Barkley, it sure sounds like they truly believe they've landed an ascending star.
And the worst part? They might have.
Yet Brian Gutekunst is probably sleeping pretty comfortably. He landed two picks from the deal, one of which he turned into Jager Burton. The early returns are highly encouraging. Burton is getting first-team reps at training camp and showing off the versatility to play all three interior offensive line positions.
This isn't Madden, either. Wicks probably would've remained the WR4 in Green Bay, a role he may not have been happy with. His expiring contract would've loomed large. Perhaps all roads would've led to a trade, regardless.
But making a deal with Howie Roseman is dangerous. It's like taunting Aaron Rodgers with the belt celebration. You usually live to regret it.
Many teams have been burned by the Eagles' genius GM. The Packers have reasons to feel encouraged with Burton. Watson, Golden, and Reed are all starring at camp. But watching Wicks start to reach his potential on an NFC rival? Only one word truly captures the feeling.
Uneasy.
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