Green Bay Packers’ second-year wide receiver Matthew Golden is generating significant buzz heading into 2026 after ESPN’s Mike Clay named him one of 11 players projected to score more touchdowns this season. Well, the former first-round pick finished his rookie campaign with zero touchdowns, but the context behind that number tells a far more encouraging story for the Packers’ offense. With more volume on the way after Green Bay’s offseason roster turnover at wide receiver, Golden’s breakout potential is real.

Clay wrote in his piece for ESPN that Golden’s lack of scoring in 2025 had more to do with opportunity than ability.

“Golden was a bit unlucky in this area last season and is in a much better position in Year 2,” Clay wrote. “A situational player most of his rookie campaign, the 2025 first-round pick was limited to two end zone targets and also failed to score on any of his 10 carries (none were within 15 yards of the goal line). For what it’s worth, Golden did score in his lone playoff appearance.”

ESPN projects Golden to finish with five touchdowns in 2026, and that’s more impactful than just saying he will improve compared to what he did as a rookie.

Rookie numbers lack context

Golden’s 2025 stat line looks underwhelming on the surface: 29 receptions on 40 targets, 361 yards, and zero touchdowns. That’s 12.4 yards per reception, 1.35 yards per route run, and a 12.7 average depth of target. He generated an 89.7 passer rating when targeted.

Those numbers reflect a player who performed fairly well when the ball came his way. The problem was how infrequently it did. Golden operated as a situational piece behind a deep receiver room, limiting his chances to produce the kind of volume stats that generate touchdowns.

The most promising stretch of Golden’s rookie season came in the playoffs against the Chicago Bears. In that game alone, he was targeted six times, caught four passes for 84 yards, and scored his first NFL touchdown. He posted 3.5 yards per route run and a 16.5 average depth of target with 21 yards per reception.

That single-game sample showed what Golden can do with consistent targets. The speed, the route depth, and the ability to win downfield were all there.

Volume is coming

The Packers’ offseason moves guarantee Golden a significantly larger role in 2026. Romeo Doubs left in free agency to join the New England Patriots, and Green Bay traded Dontayvion Wicks to the Philadelphia Eagles. Those departures clear the path for Golden to operate as one of the team’s three primary pass catchers alongside Christian Watson and Jayden Reed.

Golden was underutilized, not necessarily ineffective as a rookie. The efficiency metrics support a player who did his job when called upon but simply didn’t get enough chances to make a statistical impact with touchdowns. With the target share now opening up, the expectation is that production will follow.

If Golden’s playoff performance against Chicago is any indication of what he can do with real volume, the Packers’ second-year receiver could exceed that number and establish himself as a legitimate weapon in Green Bay’s offense.