Packers WR Matthew Golden Gets Honest on Year 2 in NFL

The Green Bay Packers will be leaning heavily on the passing game in the 2026 season with the uncertainty in the rushing attack. Star running back Josh Jacobs is on the Commissioner's Exempt List while MarShawn Lloyd, Kaleb Johnson, and Chris Brooks are unproven.

That will leave Jordan Love and the passing game to be the leaders, with wide receivers Christian Watson, Matthew Golden, and Jayden Reed leading the way.

Golden is poised for a breakout year after he showed flashes in his rookie year. The 23-year-old had 29 receptions for 361 yards, but was buried in the depth chart. With Romeo Doubs and Dontayvion Wicks off to new teams, Golden will take on a bigger role in the offense.

He showcased his potential in Green Bay's Wild Card Game against the Chicago Bears, as he had four receptions for 84 yards and a touchdown.

Ahead of his second year with the Packers, expectations are high for Golden to be a pivotal weapon for the offense.

"There's really no pressure. I'm very confident in my preparation," Golden said. "All the opportunities I will get this year, I know I'll make the most of them. Whatever the team needs me to do, obviously, that's what I'm here to do."

Green Bay selected Golden in the first round of the 2025 NFL Draft, and he will now take on a major role in the offseason. Quarterback Jordan Love is coming off a career year, as he completed 66.3 percent of his passes for 3,381 yards, 23 touchdowns, and six interceptions.

The 27-year-old has been an accurate and efficient passer, and he had a great connection with Golden in the 2025 season. While Doubs and Wicks were talented receivers, it was important for the Packers to open up more opportunities for Golden to succeed.

The other receiver Green Bay will rely on is Christian Watson. Watson played well over 10 games in the 2025 season, recording 35 receptions for 611 yards and six touchdowns.

The Packers have a ton of talent on offense, and if Golden emerges as a star, it will help them in pursuit of a Super Bowl.