Will Green Bay Packers wideout Matthew Golden explode onto the scene or fade into obscurity? People are clashing over his 2026 outlook, with opportunity and competition shaping his fate.
Matthew Golden has all the talent in the world to be a superstar for the Green Bay Packers. Presumably, that's why they selected him with the 23rd overall pick in last year's draft.
It couldn't have been just because Mark Murphy wanted one last crowd "pop" on his way out, right?
Considering how Golden's rookie season went, there may be some legitimacy in that last statement. Just a little bit at least.
The Packers liked the hype that Golden provided as the first wide receiver they've selected in the first round since Javon Walker in 2002. Perhaps they didn't like the idea of putting him into big spots as a rookie, though. With the way head coach Matt LaFleur used him (sparingly), that would have seemed to be the case.
Heck, offensive coordinator Adam Stenavich basically said that Golden wasn't going to be used in Green Bay's playoff game against the Chicago Bears. Golden, of course, stepped up and got his first NFL touchdown in that game, but the Packers clearly weren't planning on featuring him in this season's playoffs.
"He’s very talented and his time will come, but I think, right now, with the room the way it is, he’s not gonna be in that premier role when the playoffs come around," Stenavich had said.
So what should Packers fans expect from Golden in 2026?
Notably, Pro Football Focus believes he's on the way to a breakout season. The reason why? Largely, it's because he should have more opportunity with Romeo Doubs just about 100-percent likely to be heading out of town via free agency.
Golden’s playing time drastically declined when Christian Watson returned from injury in Week 8. However, 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. Romeo Doubs will be a free agent this offseason, which should provide Golden the opportunity to start in 2026," Dalton Wasserman wrote.
Oct 19, 2025; Glendale, Arizona, USA; Green Bay Packers quarterback Jordan Love (10) with wide receiver Matthew Golden (0) against the Arizona Cardinals at State Farm Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Mark J. Rebilas-Imagn Images.On the other side of the aisle, Will Brady of RotoBaller thinks Golden is trending down. Looking at it from a fantasy football perspective, Brady pointed out (accurately) that Golden will still have to contend with Christian Watson, Jayden Reed and Dontayvion Wicks also needing targets in 2026.
"Golden will have to fight for playing time with three wide receivers who were all ahead of him on the team's depth chart at different times in 2025," Brady wrote. "While he remains an intriguing long-term prospect, Golden's value to fantasy managers in dynasty leagues has taken a hit relative to where it was this time last year."
What does it all mean? Frankly, nobody seems to know.
Without a doubt, though, Golden is going to be a very polarizing Packer heading into the 2026 season.
PackersRoundtable also offers a fan community and message board. We’d love to have you join us to talk all things Packers. Click the “Join” button at the top of the page to join our community for free.