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Eagles Eye Dontayvion Wicks as Potential Second Receiver in 2026
The Philadelphia Eagles are looking to add depth to a wide‑receiver room that has been in flux since the departure of A.J. Brown. The team’s most recent acquisition, former Green Bay Packers target Dontayvion Wicks, has already begun to draw attention during the 2026 offseason. Wicks, a 22‑year‑old who was selected by the Packers in the fifth round of the 2023 NFL Draft, was traded to the Eagles in a move that the organization hopes will give the team a reliable option beyond DeVonta Smith.
Wicks’ arrival has been met with positive feedback from both teammates and coaching staff. All‑Pro cornerback Quinyon Mitchell, who was a first‑round pick in 2024, said the new receiver has “given him problems in practice.” Mitchell added that he is impressed by Wicks’ releases and footwork at the top of his routes, calling him a “crafty route runner.” The comments came during a practice session at the Jefferson Health Training Complex, where the Eagles kicked off their spring workouts.
Eagles run‑game coordinator and tight‑ends coach Ryan Mahaffey, who joined Philadelphia in February after a five‑season stint as the Packers’ wide‑receiver coach, also praised Wicks. Mahaffey said, “He’s got size, he’s got quickness, he’s a competitive guy when he’s out there… He loves football.” He added that Wicks “has been fun to watch come in and get acclimated.” Mahaffey’s familiarity with Wicks’ game plan stems from their time together in Green Bay, where Mahaffey helped develop the receiver’s skill set.
The coaching staff’s endorsement comes at a time when the Eagles are redefining their offensive identity. New offensive coordinator Sean Mannion has been tasked with improving a passing attack that ranked 19th in points per game in 2025. Mannion’s system emphasizes vertical routes and quick, short passes, and the staff believes Wicks’ versatility could fit well into that scheme.
Wicks’ potential role is still being evaluated. The Eagles’ receiver room now includes DeVonta Smith, first‑round pick Makai Lemon, Hollywood Brown, and Darius Cooper. Lemon, who was drafted in the first round in 2025, is expected to contribute primarily from the slot, while Wicks could line up on the outside or inside, depending on the play call. Wicks’ ability to run deep routes and his agility in the slot give the coaching staff flexibility as they plan for the 2026 season.
During OTAs, Wicks was absent on Wednesday, a fact noted by several reporters. The Eagles’ front office confirmed that he was still integrating into the new system, and the team’s public relations office said he was “working hard to get up to speed.” The absence was not a sign of injury; it was simply part of the team’s routine for new players.
The Eagles’ trade for Wicks was announced in the early part of the offseason. The organization said the move was designed to give the team a “ready‑to‑play” receiver who could contribute immediately. Wicks’ previous experience with the Packers’ offensive system is expected to ease his transition.
Looking ahead, the Eagles will see how Wicks performs once the pads come on and training camp begins. The coaching staff has expressed confidence that the combination of Mahaffey’s knowledge of Wicks and Mannion’s offensive scheme could unlock the receiver’s potential. If Wicks can replicate the performance that impressed Mitchell and Mahaffey, he could become a key contributor alongside Smith.
The Eagles’ next steps will involve evaluating Wicks’ performance in live drills, determining his fit in the playbook, and deciding whether he will earn a spot on the 53‑man roster. The team’s front office will also monitor how Wicks adapts to the speed of the NFL and how he meshes with the existing wide‑receiver group.
In summary, the Eagles have added a young, versatile receiver in Dontayvion Wicks, who has already earned praise from top cornerback Quinyon Mitchell and run‑game coordinator Ryan Mahaffey. The coaching staff believes Wicks’ skill set could fill a second‑receiver role in a system that is still evolving. The outcome of his integration into the team will become clearer as the 2026 season approaches and the Eagles continue to build a competitive roster.
Wicks’ arrival has been met with positive feedback from both teammates and coaching staff. All‑Pro cornerback Quinyon Mitchell, who was a first‑round pick in 2024, said the new receiver has “given him problems in practice.” Mitchell added that he is impressed by Wicks’ releases and footwork at the top of his routes, calling him a “crafty route runner.” The comments came during a practice session at the Jefferson Health Training Complex, where the Eagles kicked off their spring workouts.
Eagles run‑game coordinator and tight‑ends coach Ryan Mahaffey, who joined Philadelphia in February after a five‑season stint as the Packers’ wide‑receiver coach, also praised Wicks. Mahaffey said, “He’s got size, he’s got quickness, he’s a competitive guy when he’s out there… He loves football.” He added that Wicks “has been fun to watch come in and get acclimated.” Mahaffey’s familiarity with Wicks’ game plan stems from their time together in Green Bay, where Mahaffey helped develop the receiver’s skill set.
The coaching staff’s endorsement comes at a time when the Eagles are redefining their offensive identity. New offensive coordinator Sean Mannion has been tasked with improving a passing attack that ranked 19th in points per game in 2025. Mannion’s system emphasizes vertical routes and quick, short passes, and the staff believes Wicks’ versatility could fit well into that scheme.
Wicks’ potential role is still being evaluated. The Eagles’ receiver room now includes DeVonta Smith, first‑round pick Makai Lemon, Hollywood Brown, and Darius Cooper. Lemon, who was drafted in the first round in 2025, is expected to contribute primarily from the slot, while Wicks could line up on the outside or inside, depending on the play call. Wicks’ ability to run deep routes and his agility in the slot give the coaching staff flexibility as they plan for the 2026 season.
During OTAs, Wicks was absent on Wednesday, a fact noted by several reporters. The Eagles’ front office confirmed that he was still integrating into the new system, and the team’s public relations office said he was “working hard to get up to speed.” The absence was not a sign of injury; it was simply part of the team’s routine for new players.
The Eagles’ trade for Wicks was announced in the early part of the offseason. The organization said the move was designed to give the team a “ready‑to‑play” receiver who could contribute immediately. Wicks’ previous experience with the Packers’ offensive system is expected to ease his transition.
Looking ahead, the Eagles will see how Wicks performs once the pads come on and training camp begins. The coaching staff has expressed confidence that the combination of Mahaffey’s knowledge of Wicks and Mannion’s offensive scheme could unlock the receiver’s potential. If Wicks can replicate the performance that impressed Mitchell and Mahaffey, he could become a key contributor alongside Smith.
The Eagles’ next steps will involve evaluating Wicks’ performance in live drills, determining his fit in the playbook, and deciding whether he will earn a spot on the 53‑man roster. The team’s front office will also monitor how Wicks adapts to the speed of the NFL and how he meshes with the existing wide‑receiver group.
In summary, the Eagles have added a young, versatile receiver in Dontayvion Wicks, who has already earned praise from top cornerback Quinyon Mitchell and run‑game coordinator Ryan Mahaffey. The coaching staff believes Wicks’ skill set could fill a second‑receiver role in a system that is still evolving. The outcome of his integration into the team will become clearer as the 2026 season approaches and the Eagles continue to build a competitive roster.
