The Arizona Cardinals are considering a major wide receiver addition to improve their offense around quarterback Kyler Murray as the 2024 NFL season nears. With Murray seeking a reliable receiving partner alongside Marvin Harrison Jr., the team is reportedly exploring acquiring Green Bay Packers receiver Dontayvion Wicks to enhance their passing attack.
Arizona’s wide receiver group beyond Harrison Jr. has lacked proven production, which has raised questions about Murray’s supporting cast. To address this, the Cardinals may pursue a trade or waiver claim to add a young, promising option who can help elevate their aerial game in a competitive NFC West division. This potential move highlights the team’s efforts to build around their 27-year-old quarterback ahead of a high-pressure season.
Why Dontayvion Wicks Could Be the Right Fit for Arizona
According to ESPN analyst Seth Walder, the Cardinals’ interest in Dontayvion Wicks represents a mutually beneficial opportunity for both teams. Wicks, a 2023 fifth-round draft pick, has shown flashes of potential but has yet to consistently capitalize on his talent during his two seasons with Green Bay, compiling 996 receiving yards and nine touchdowns on 78 receptions.
While Wicks’ raw stats may seem modest, they underrepresent his upside. Walder notes that Wicks ranks just behind some of Green Bay’s other receivers in yards per route run, indicating solid efficiency when targeted. However, his struggle with drops—10 on 76 targets last season—has limited his impact. ESPN’s receiver metrics gave Wicks an 84 open score but a catch score of zero, highlighting his inconsistency catching the ball despite good positioning.
The Packers, having added rookies Matthew Golden and Savion Williams at wide receiver, may view moving Wicks as a way to reduce roster congestion. Trading Wicks would clear room while bringing in valuable assets from Arizona, which needs to bolster its receiving weapons outside of Marvin Harrison Jr.
Arizona’s current receiving corps after Harrison Jr. includes Zay Jones, Michael Wilson, and Greg Dortch—players who have yet to establish themselves as consistent threats. Trey McBride’s emergence at tight end last season added some offensive versatility, but another wide receiver with upside is needed to complement Harrison Jr. and better meet the expectations placed on Murray’s offense.
This acquisition would introduce a 24-year-old talent that might thrive in a new environment and spark improvements within the Cardinals’ passing scheme. With Murray tasked with delivering under significant scrutiny, having a developing receiver like Wicks could unlock their offense’s full potential and elevate Arizona’s standing as a contender in the NFC West.
Defensive Upgrades Position Cardinals for Greater Competitiveness
Alongside offensive plans, the Cardinals have also revamped their defense this offseason under general manager Monti Ossenfort, focusing on players who fit coach Jonathan Gannon’s aggressive style. Key additions include signing edge rusher Josh Sweat to a substantial $76.4 million contract, fresh off a standout Super Bowl performance, and drafting defensive end Walter Nolen III and cornerback Will Johnson in the second round.
This defensive overhaul is designed not only to pressure opposing quarterbacks but also to empower the secondary by creating more turnover opportunities and favorable situations. Through offseason activities including OTAs and minicamps, safety Joey Blount has observed the growing impact of the strengthened defensive front.
“It helps us out a lot on the back-end of the defense,”
Blount shared recently. —Joey Blount, Safety
“Now that we have those guys up front, the quarterback won’t have as much time, or he’ll be more conscious of the people rushing him, which gives us on the back-end more time to make plays on the ball. Once you get the havoc up front, it opens up blitz packages, it opens up more special drops, forces them into more third and longs and we can get into different sub-packages, so it’s going to really help us open up an entire defense and it’s only going to help us be a better team.”
—Joey Blount, Safety
Last season, Arizona ranked 19th in total defense, conceding 22.3 points per game. The aggressive recruitment and draft picks reflect a priority to improve this ranking and better match divisional rivals. The NFC West now features the Seattle Seahawks adjusting to a new quarterback, the injury-plagued 49ers aiming for health returns, and the Los Angeles Rams blending young and veteran talent for a competitive edge. Arizona’s investments on defense signal a strategy to narrow the gap within the division.
Implications for the Cardinals’ Season Outlook
By pursuing a Kyler Murray wide receiver upgrade such as Dontayvion Wicks, the Cardinals are actively addressing a key weakness in their offense. The addition of a dynamic young receiver alongside Marvin Harrison Jr. could improve Murray’s passing options and overall offensive flow, crucial to the team’s success in a challenging NFC West.
At the same time, bolstering the defensive front with significant signings and draft choices positions the Cardinals to put greater pressure on opponents and strengthen their overall team balance. Arizona’s moves suggest a dual-front approach aiming to elevate their competitiveness in both offense and defense.
As the 2024 NFL season nears, these roster adjustments—if realized—could be pivotal in determining whether the Cardinals move from contenders to division leaders. The team’s strategy highlights the importance of surrounding Kyler Murray with the right talent and building a defense capable of matching the evolving NFC West landscape.