The Packers broke a 23-year trend this past season by drafting Matthew Golden, marking the first time since Javon Walker in 2002 that Green Bay selected a wide receiver in the first round.
Golden, who played college ball at both Houston and Texas, emerged as one of college football’s top receivers. His quickness, speed, and sharp route running made him a promising draft prospect. Proving his worth early on, Golden led the NFL in average separation score over the first two weeks.
The hype around Golden was real heading into his rookie season. Many believed he would become a key piece to the Packers’ offense. However, many others would say that his 2025-26 campaign was underwhelming.
Golden’s Rookie Year
Through 14 regular-season games, Golden totaled 29 receptions for 361 yards with no touchdowns. Such numbers are typically underwhelming for a first-round pick. However, he has some valid excuses.
Green Bay had a crowded receiver room, with the likes of Christian Watson, Romeo Doubs, Jayden Reed, and Dontayvion Wicks all vying for reps. Additionally, Jordan Love spreads the ball around to each receiver, which prevents any of them from putting up incredible individual stats.
Nevertheless, Golden still has plenty of talent to showcase. In eight contests, including the Wild Card round, Golden ran at least 20 routes per game and had an average of 47 receiving yards. He also scored 1.83 yards per route run. In five out of those eight games, he had a catch of at least 25 yards as well.
Opportunity Lurking for Golden
Recently, Dalton Wasserman of Pro Football Focus chose Matthew Golden as an early breakout candidate for the Packers next season.
Golden’s playing time significantly decreased when Christian Watson came back in Week 8. However, as Wasserman stated, “He showed up when it mattered most with 84 yards and a 90.0 PFF receiving grade in Green Bay’s playoff loss to the Bears.”
As mentioned earlier, Golden had his best game as a Packer in the Wild Card round against Chicago. He put up four receptions on five targets for 84 yards, making two big plays in the fourth quarter. One of which was a 23-yard acrobatic catch-and-run touchdown, marking the first score of his career.
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By giving Golden two huge late-game opportunities, Jordan Love showed the trust he has in his rookie receiver. Furthermore, Love’s confidence is displayed in his stats, as he posted a 149.3 passer rating when targeting Golden.
With current Packers receiver Romeo Doubs set to hit free agency this offseason, some speculate that he may not return. If this were to happen, it would open up plenty of opportunities for Golden in year two.
The Future is Golden
With the way Matt LaFleur designs and calls plays, it is almost certain that Matthew Golden is headed for a bigger role moving forward.
The numbers may not jump off the page yet, but when Golden gets chances, he shows why the Packers took him in the first round.
His speed, ability to get open, and reliable hands add something Green Bay’s offense needs to succeed. A breakout season from Golden is around the corner, and with the opportunity on the table, he will prove why he’s a major part of the Packers’ future.
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