The Green Bay Packers are receiving trade calls about two of their top wide receivers ahead of the unofficial start to 2026 NFL free agency on March 9.
According to ESPN’s Jeremy Fowler, teams have called the Packers to inquire about the trade availability of wide receivers Jayden Reed and Dontayvion Wicks. He added that his “sense” is that they would not trade Reed, but he could not say the same for Wicks.
“Also, [A.J.] Brown isn’t the only receiver potentially available,” Fowler wrote for ESPN on March 8. “Baltimore’s Rashod Bateman, Los Angeles’ Quentin Johnston and Green Bay’s Dontayvion Wicks have come up in my talks. Teams have interest in Green Bay’s Jayden Reed, but I don’t sense the Packers would trade him at this point.”
Reed and Wicks were both 2023 draft picks for the Packers, but they have a crowded position group after extending Christian Watson and drafting both Matthew Golden (first round) and Savion Williams (third round) in 2025. Moving one off the roster would be sensible if the Packers — who don’t have a first-rounder — seek more picks.
The NFL’s legal tampering period — the effective start of negotiations — will open at noon ET on March 9, while free agency formally begins at 4 p.m. ET on March 11.
Packers Have Already Agreed to Multiple Trades
While the Packers of old might not have been super active on the trade market, general manager Brian Gutekunst has changed his tune a bit in advance of 2026 free agency.
Over the past several days, the Packers have agreed to terms on two different trades. The first involved them adding veteran linebacker Zaire Franklin from the Indianapolis Colts in exchange for defensive tackle Colby Wooden — a 2023 fourth-round pick.
The second trade, struck before legal tampering on March 8, saw them deal former Pro Bowl edge rusher Rashan Gary and the remaining two years of his $96 million contract to the Dallas Cowboys for a 2027 fourth-round selection, per ESPN’s Adam Schefter.
While the Packers seem unlikely to deal away Reed, Wicks could be a more palatable departure for the front office if Gutekunst and Co. want to continue adding future draft picks. They won’t have their first-round pick in either 2026 or 2027 after acquiring All-Pro pass rusher Micah Parsons from the Cowboys before the start of the 2025 season.
Could Packers Pursue Veteran WR in Free Agency?
It is sensible for the Packers to listen to whatever trade calls they might receive about their wide receivers, especially if they plan to involve Golden more in the 2026 season. With starter Romeo Doubs expected to depart in free agency, though, could Green Bay hit the open market in search of another capable pass-catcher to bolster their offense?
If the Packers pursue a veteran receiver in free agency, they will have options. Rashid Shaheed could offer a dual-threat option as a lightning-fast burner who can challenge defenses vertically and also contribute as an effective kickoff returner, but they might prefer to continue leaning into Watson as their deep threat after a strong 2025 season.
Wan’Dale Robinson also has desirable experience, showcasing his ability to work the field at different levels in 2025 as the No. 1 target following Malik Nabers‘ injury. He, too, is a vertical threat who can attack defense with speed, but he is also a volume guy with a demonstrated history of beating coverages with more than just his quickness.
Other notable wide receivers set to become available include: Mike Evans, Jauan Jennings, Stefon Diggs, Deebo Samuel, Jalen Nailor and Hollywood Brown.
Packers Getting Calls About WR Trade Before Free Agency