The Green Bay Packers moved on from two key wide receivers this offseason. They opted to let Romeo Doubs leave via free agency and traded Dontayvion Wicks for a future draft pick. One of the reasons they were willing to make those moves was the expectation that 2025 first-round draft pick Matthew Golden will play a bigger role in the offense this season. The Packers clearly expect big things from Matthew Golden in year two.

Packers Expect Big Things from Matthew Golden in Year Two: His Rookie Year

The Packers selected Golden with the 23rd overall pick in the 2025 NFL Draft. The former Texas star became the first wide receiver the Packers took in the first round of the draft since Javon Walker in 2002.

Golden got the chance to play right away due to injuries. Christian Watson missed the early portion of the season as he recovered from the ACL injury he suffered in the 2024 season finale and Jayden Reed did not play due to an injury he suffered in Week 2. Later in the season when both Watson and Reed returned to the lineup, Golden’s playing time was reduced.

The rookie showed flashes of ability in his first NFL season but was also inconsistent in his route running and his ability to make in-play adjustments. None of this is unusual for a rookie receiver.

For the season, Golden caught 29 passes for 361 yards. His only touchdown came in the Packers playoff game in Chicago last January when he caught four passes for 84 yards and a score.

How the Organization Sees Him

The Packers front office, coaching staff and his teammates have positive feelings about where Golden is and where he could potentially be heading.

Earlier this offseason, GM Brian Gutekunst weighed in on Golden’s progress in his first NFL season. “With all the opportunities we gave him, I thought he did an excellent job,” Gutekunst said. “I would have loved to have seen him get more opportunities through the year. It didn’t work out that way. But when he did, he performed, and he performed at a high level. I’m really excited to see where he goes in Year two. I think his ceiling is very, very high. We’re very, very excited about what he’s going to do for our football team moving forward.”

Head coach Matt LaFleur still sees the immense potential Golden possesses. “You can’t coach 4.29, or whatever they had him at,” LaFleur said. “Anytime a guy is breaking sub-4.3s, you know he’s legitimately fast. I think what’s so attractive about a guy like Golden is not only is he fast, but he’s got, I’d say elite hands.”

Watson also sees a bright future for his younger teammate. “I don’t think that we saw a fraction of what he’s capable of last year,” Watson told NFL.com. “I think the more opportunities he gets, the more the world’s gonna know exactly who he is. I’m excited for that.”

Packers Expect Big Things from Matthew Golden in Year Two: Looking Ahead

Now, Golden will have a larger role in the offense. He played only 53 percent of the offensive snaps in the 14 games he played as a rookie. That number should go up significantly this season. Watson and Golden will line up on the boundary and Reed will start in the slot.

Golden himself feels like he’s right where he needs to be in his development. “I would say it happened exactly how it was supposed to,” Golden said when asked about his first NFL campaign. “I feel like it developed me and mindset to just have a chip on my shoulder, just how to go about things. I wouldn’t change anything that happened last year. I feel like for this year, it’s a part of the plan, man, and I’m excited.”

Meanwhile, Reed sees Golden taking a big step forward in his second season. “It’s going to be a huge jump for M.G., man,” Reed said. “You can tell the game is slowing down for him. He’s learned to play much better. You can tell he’s just more comfortable out there. I can speak from my point of view. Me going into year two, it was way more smooth just even knowing the playbook. So, he’s gaining that confidence and he’s going to be dangerous for this offense.”

If Golden takes that step forward and develops more chemistry with quarterback Jordan Love, the Packers receiving corps could be very dangerous in 2026.

 

 

 

 

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