The theme of Matthew Golden’s rookie year was waiting for an opportunity that rarely came. That will change in 2026, and if the early days of this offseason are any indication, Golden is ready for a heavy workload.
The Packers lost Romeo Doubs and Dontayvion Wicks this offseason, which means approximately eight targets per game left with them. Christian Watson and Jayden Reed are back, and Golden should be on track to join them in that top tier of receivers.
Plenty of Packer fans were frustrated with Matt LaFleur’s decision to slow-roll Golden in the offense last season, especially since he looked good in the relatively rare moments when he was in the spotlight. When asked about it in early June, the playmaking wide receiver did a great job turning his rookie season into a positive takeaway.
I would say it happened exactly how it was supposed to. I feel like it developed me and (my) mindset to 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.
That chip might feel feathery light by the end of 2026 if things go according to plan.
Golden’s best game last year came in the playoffs, after offensive coordinator Adam Stenavich commented that Golden wouldn’t be in a premier role for Green Bay in the postseason. It raised some eyebrows among fans and perhaps further riled up Golden, who hauled in four receptions for 84 yards and one highlight-reel touchdown where he caught a swing pass from Jordan Love and did the rest himself.
That performance only raised his stock further. And it’s not just the fans noticing. Reed, who figures to be a big part of the passing game, has seen it from Golden already this offseason.
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.
All of this hype can put immense pressure on the player to deliver. In Golden’s case, some of it is out of his hands as he can’t throw the ball to himself. Love continues to get better each year he’s been the starter, and as has been the case in his first three seasons under center, he’ll have an array of options among whom to spread the wealth.
Golden will no longer be a complementary piece of the puzzle. This year he’ll be tasked with going stride for stride with Watson, Reed and tight end Tucker Kraft when it comes to delivering consistently in the receiving game.
Ask Golden about that, with the hype meter as high as it is, and he’s remaining a cool customer.
I wouldn’t say (there’s) pressure and I wouldn’t say (I’m) the guy. We got guys all around the room. Not just me but we got guys on the team who can all make plays. I wouldn’t even put that on myself. I would just say I gotta be ready for the opportunities that I get.
Green Bay used a first-round pick on Golden last April, signaling the first time it took a receiver in Round 1 since Javon Walker was the choice in 2002. Golden’s rookie season left a lot to be desired, not from mistakes of his own, but simply from the Packers drafting him into what was already a crowded room.
Things have thinned out now, which will open up the floodgates for Golden. So far — and yes, it’s just OTAs — all signs point towards a major punch being packed by Golden. He’ll be steamrolling into training camp later on in July with all sorts of good juju.
