Packers increasingly signal Matthew Golden role for Year 2 as offseason approach provides key insights
Actions speak louder than words, and Green Bay is showing real confidence in what Golden can become.
The Green Bay Packers know the lack of production from Matthew Golden as a rookie was much more a byproduct of the limitations themselves put on him than something the young wide receiver did. And it’s not only words: the Packers’ offseason moves gave clear indications that the team actually trusts the first-round pick to have a jump in 2026.
“I thought Matthew did a great job with all the opportunities we gave him,” general manager Gutekunst said ahead of free agency. “He did an excellent job. I would have loved to see him get more opportunities during the year, but when he did, he performed at a high level.”
How the Packers are building
In the offseason, the Packers allowed Romeo Doubs to walk in free agency — he signed a four-year contract with the New England Patriots. And the front office didn’t actually replace Doubs, as the only offensive addition was Skyy Moore, signed more to be a kick returner and backup receiver.
“I’m really excited to see where he goes in Year 2,” Gutekunst added. “He was a third-year player coming out of college — one year at Texas, two years in Houston — so I think his ceiling is very, very high. We’re very excited about what he’s going to do for us moving forward.”
The Packers are clearly banking on Golden’s improvement. Christian Watson, Jayden Reed, Dontayvion Wicks, and Skyy Moore are all set to hit free agency in 2027, and while one or at most two of them may get contract extensions down the road, Golden’s performance is a key to determine the plan — and ideally, the first-rounder will emerge to give the Packers more financial leeway throughout his rookie deal, generating substantial surplus value.
The Packers rarely give too much space and opportunities for rookies, so it’s not exactly a surprise that Golden didn’t have a prolific first year in the NFL. Now, though, it’s time to show signs of development and productivity. The Packers are offering Golden that shot through their actions and how they built the offense, and the talented player’s response on the field will define their long-term outlook at the position.
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