The Packers‘ wide receiving corps around quarterback Jordan Love was a bit of a revolving door throughout the 2025 campaign.
Christian Watson and Jayden Reed each missed significant time, Dontayvion Wicks spent time on injured reserve, tight end Tucker Kraft became Love’s favorite target before his season came careening to an end with a torn ACL, and even first-round rookie Matthew Golden’s impact was limited as he was shelved due to injury as well.
With some major questions looming for Green Bay in free agency, and Golden having the advantage of a full offseason in the Packers’ conditioning program, not to mention another year in head coach Matt LaFleur’s season, Love’s receiving corps could take a big step forward in 2026.
Matthew Golden could be primed to be Packers’ breakout star
Despite limited production as a rookie, the stage could be set for Golden to be the breakout contributor for the Packers’ offense next season.
Over at Pro Football Focus, analyst Dalton Wasserman put together a list of each team’s most likely breakout star next season, With Golden making the cut for Green Bay.
“Golden’s playing time drastically declined,” Wasserman writes of Golden. ‘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.”
Golden has obvious first-round pedigree, that shone through during the Packers’ playoff loss to the Bears, and game-altering speed.
However, catching just 29 passes for 361 yards in 14 games, left the Packers wanting much more from their top draft pick. Next season, especially if Doubs signs elsewhere, the door could be wide open for Golden to ascend to the top of the depth chart and perform like the game-breaker the Packers believed they were getting when they chose him out of Texas last spring.
