Matt LaFleur just confirmed one fascinating detail behind the Packers’ belief in Matthew Golden
The head coach knows the young wide receiver is taking massive steps forward in his game, and they’ll matter a lot for the offense in 2026.
The Green Bay Packers need second-year wide receiver Matthew Golden to take a step forward, and head coach Matt LaFleur shared a glimpse during training camp of why that leap could be coming. Golden, the 23rd overall pick in the 2025 NFL Draft, was the first wide receiver the Packers selected in the first round since 2002.
His physical tools and strong hands made him a coveted prospect, but what LaFleur highlighted earlier this week had nothing to do with those attributes.
The details that matter to LaFleur
Golden’s rookie season was limited from a target-share perspective. He finished the regular season with just 29 receptions, 361 yards, and no touchdowns. Then the playoffs arrived, and Golden erupted against the Chicago Bears with four receptions, 84 yards, and a touchdown. The production spike was encouraging, but what can truly make Golden a more involved piece of Green Bay’s offense comes down to the small details LaFleur demands from his receivers.
LaFleur praised Golden’s early work at training camp, highlighting a play that had nothing to do with catching the football.
“Early indications are promising,” LaFleur said. “There was a play [on Wednesday] where we ran a keeper, dumped the ball off in the flat, and he’s running a low cross. The way he transitioned to a block, I think that says a lot about you as a player. What do you do when you don’t have the football? And I think that’s something that has stood out.”
That’s a valuable indication because LaFleur consistently asks his receivers to play without the football, to block, and to contribute to the offense in ways beyond catching passes. The Packers are trending toward an offensive structure that relies heavily on three starting receivers: Golden, Christian Watson, and Jayden Reed. All three will have to do everything on the field, and the fact that Golden is demonstrating those details early in camp suggests he is developing toward a bigger role within the offense.
Year 1 flashes build confidence for Year 2
LaFleur also pointed to Golden’s playoff performance against the Bears as a foundation for growth. The coach expressed genuine confidence that Golden’s experience in high-stakes moments will carry over into 2026.
“I think just the experience. He’s been in big moments, he’s had some big-time plays in big moments, and hopefully he can continue to build upon what he did, especially in that Chicago game,” LaFleur added. “I thought he went out there and balled out. He played with the play style that we always talk about, no matter what position group you’re in. I think there were some moments where we were looking for better, but he’s responded to those challenges.”
If Golden can develop into a complete receiver, Green Bay’s offense figures to look very different (and potentially much more efficient) in 2026.