Christian Watson’s latest Matthew Golden comments add fuel to already soaring expectations, and it elevates the Packers’ ceiling
Veteran wide receiver is confident about the youngster, and now both will have bigger roles heading into the 2026 season.
The Green Bay Packers are changing the offensive approach this offseason. After moving on from Romeo Doubs and Dontayvion Wicks in different capacities, the Packers will lean on their three-headed monster at wide receiver with Christian Watson, Jayden Reed, and Matthew Golden.
While the ceiling is obvious, the Packers are banking on some uncertain factors to make that group work. Despite being a first-round pick, Golden only had 29 receptions for 361 yards as a rookie, and his only touchdown came in the playoffs.
Internal confidence
The uncertainty may be a factor, but the Packers are extremely confident about their group. And that’s not only the coaching staff and front office. Watson himself is pretty excited about what Golden can do with more volume.
“I don’t think we saw a fraction of what he’s capable of last year,” Watson told NFL Network. “I think the more opportunities he gets, the more the world’s gonna know exactly who he is. I’m excited for that.”
Golden was only fifth in targets (40) on the Packers last year, behind Doubs, Watson, Wicks, and running back Josh Jacobs. He was tied with tight end Tucker Kraft, who only played half of the season due to an ACL injury.
In the playoff game against the Chicago Bears, though, Golden was targeted six times and had four receptions for 84 yards and a touchdown.
The Packers usually tend to be patient with rookies, especially at the wide receiver position. Even guys like Jordy Nelson, Randall Cobb, and Davante Adams didn’t do much in their first year. That doesn’t mean Golden will become one of them, but there’s an obvious path for improvement. It starts with giving the most talented players on the unit more chances to produce at a high level.
And the Packers’ offensive ceiling could be determined by it in 2026.