What drew Eagles to their new ‘physical, explosive’ weapon — and why they believe he’s a perfect fit

PHILADELPHIA — Whether Eagles star wide receiver A.J. Brown returns next season or gets traded remains a mystery, but the Eagles are adding to their offense so they are strong with or without Brown.

No matter the outcome on Brown, new Eagles wide receiver Dontayvion Wicks will have a big role in Philadelphia’s offense next season and the year after.

Last Friday, the Eagles traded a 2026 fifth-round pick and a 2027 sixth-round pick to the Packers in exchange for Wicks and gave him a one-year, $12.5 million extension through the 2027 season. That is a starter-level investment.

Wicks could play in the slot if Brown returns or on the outside if Brown is not on the team in 2026. The Eagles are excited about Wicks’ potential and what he can be with or without Brown.

“We played Green Bay a bunch of times,” Eagles general manager Howie Roseman said on Tuesday. “You see his skill set. He’s a physical, explosive player at the top of routes. He can play inside or out. He’s a guy that we had our eye on here.”

Wicks will reunite with former Packers quarterbacks coach Sean Mannion and wide receivers coach Ryan Mahaffey in Philadelphia.

Mannion is Philadelphia’s new offensive coordinator, and Mahaffey is Philadelphia’s new tight ends coach and run-game coordinator. Roseman said they relied on their input to learn more about Wicks and to see if he would be a good fit. He must have been happy with their answers.

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In 2025, Wicks snagged 30 receptions for 332 yards and two touchdowns in what would be his final season with Green Bay. He didn’t receive as many opportunities in comparison to the Packers’ other top wide receivers.

Wicks dropped 14 passes over the first three years of his career, according to Pro Football Focus. His lack of consistency in that department could be preventing him from earning a bigger role. He could finally receive that opportunity in Philadelphia over the next two years, especially if Brown gets traded.

The Eagles could start Wicks next to DeVonta Smith and Marquise “Hollywood” Brown in a post-A.J. Brown era. They are not focused on what he can’t do or what he struggles with. They are excited about what he can do.

“To be able to separate at the top of the route,” Eagles coach Nick Sirianni said. “I think his toughness shows up on tape. When you can create that type of separation, we obviously get really excited about that. Really excited to add him to that room. Excited to have him.”

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