When the Green Bay Packers selected Matthew Golden with their first round pick in the 2025 NFL Draft, it was met with a flurry of enthusiasm from fans. After all, Green Bay had not taken a wide receiver in the first round of any NFL Draft since 2002, and fans had been clamoring for one for years.
But with that enthusiasm came high expectations. Fans desired for Golden to become a feature part of the Packers offense, and even the rookie himself predicted that he would have 1,000 yards receiving and 10 or more touchdowns.
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Unfortunately, that did not happen.
Green Bay Packers wide receiver Matthew Golden has big goals for the 2026 NFL season
Green Bay Packers wide receiver Matthew Golden (0) makes a reception for a first down during the second quarter of their wild card playoff game against the Chicago Bears Saturday, January 10, 2026 at Soldier Field in Chicago, Illinois.
As a rookie in 2025, Golden had 29 receptions for 361 yards and no touchdowns. He found himself deep down on the wide receiver depth chart behind Green Bay’s established veterans, which meant he did not have the big role that he and fans envisioned.
But this off-season, the Packers allowed Romeo Doubs to walk in free agency, and traded Dontayvion Wicks to the Philadelphia Eagles. While they did sign Jayden Reed to a contract extension, it is clear now that Golden is going to have a much larger role in the passing game in 2026.
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On Tuesday, he spoke to reporters about his disappointing rookie season and how he is approaching Year Two in the NFL:
“I would say, [my rookie year] happened exactly how it was supposed to. I feel like, it kind of developed me and mindset to have a chip on my shoulder and how to go about things.
“I wouldn’t change anything about what happened last year, it’s a part of the plan.”
He also said he walked away with a lot of confidence after Green Bay’s loss to the Chicago Bears in the NFL Playoffs, a game that saw him record four receptions for 84 yards and a touchdown.
“I’m looking forward to this year. I have the mindset to attack everything that is in front me,” Golden said. “I’ve only scratched the surface of what I know I can do.”
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