The Green Bay Packers are set to open training camp in less than a week. This is the last in a series of articles previewing the Packers position by position, analyzing the talent on the roster and discussing key questions that are facing the team as they begin preparation for the 2026 season. Today we will examine the wide receivers. We will look at another position each day until the start of training camp. To read our quarterbacks analysis, click here, for defensive tackles, click here, for running backs, click here, click here for linebackers, here, here for tight ends, here for edge rushers, here for offensive line, here for the secondary and here for special teams. These are three big questions facing the Green Bay Packers wide receivers entering training camp in 2026:

The Projected Candidates: Starters: Christian Watson, Matthew Golden, Jayden Reed; Backup: Savion Williams; Fighting for roster spots: Bo Melton, J Michael Sturdivant, Will Sheppard, Brenden Rice, Isaiah Neyor, Skyy Moore

Three Big Questions Facing the Packers Wide Receivers, Number One: Can Matthew Golden Have a Breakout Season?

Matthew Golden showed promise as a rookie but also struggled at times to adjust to life in the NFL. He finished the season with just 29 catches for 361 yards. His first professional touchdown came in the team’s playoff game in Chicago.

Golden has great speed and reliable hands. The tools are there for him to have a big season. GM Brian Gutekunst showed confidence in Golden being ready to start and take on a major role when he opted not to re-sign leading receiver Romeo Doubs and traded depth receiver Dontayvion Wicks.

On paper, the starting trio of Golden, Jayden Reed, and Christian Watson would give the Packers a talented and speedy group of wideouts who can help stretch the field and give Jordan Love deep options. But having Golden step up and develop into a quality starter in year two is a big key to the success of this unit.

Number Two: Will Christian Watson and Jayden Reed Stay Healthy?

Last season, both Watson and Reed missed significant time last season due to injuries. Watson missed the first six weeks of last year while Reed was injured in Week 2 and did not return until the stretch drive.

Watson took his game to the next level after his return. He is now a more well-rounded receiver who can consistently catch short and medium passes as well as being a deep threat. Now he has to prove he can consistently deliver that kind of performance over a full, 17-game season.

Reed led the Packers in catches in each of his first two seasons in the league. He accomplished this despite playing fewer snaps than other starters. He does his best work operating out of the slot where he does a good job of creating separation off the snap of the ball.

Having both Reed and Watson healthy for a full season and having Golden take a step forward in year two sets up a potentially explosive and dangerous receiver corps.

Three Big Questions Facing the Packers Wide Receivers, Number Three: Who Wins the Depth Spots on the Roster?

Second-year man Savion Williams will be the fourth receiver on the depth chart and Skyy Moore likely earns a roster spot because he will be the team’s return specialist.

That leaves six players battling for one (possibly two) roster spots and likely two more spots on the practice squad.

Bo Melton gives the team experience at both receiver and on special teams. He has returned to the receiver room after practicing last season with the cornerbacks.

Isaiah Neyor stood out at OTAs and at minicamp but needs to continue that level of play in training camp. Will Sheppard is back after spending time on the practice squad. Brenden Rice is best known as the son of all-time great Jerry Rice but will have to make his own impression this summer to stick. J Michael Sturdivant has intriguing size and athleticism but never matched the production he showed in his first collegiate season.

This race is wide open, but somebody will step forward in camp and preseason and claim these jobs.

 

 

 

 

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