Brian Gutekunst had to choose his fighters carefully.
He walked down the riskier path, favoring the undeniable upside of Christian Watson and Jayden Reed over the reliability of Romeo Doubs.
The Green Bay Packers seemingly made no attempt to bring back Doubs this offseason, who offered steadiness and consistency but never soared to stardom. Gutekunst soon doubled down by trading Dontayvion Wicks to the Philadelphia Eagles, then tripled down by handing sparkling multi-year extensions to Watson and Reed.
Just as importantly, the Packers' offseason decisions highlight their confidence in second-year Matthew Golden, who displayed more potential than production as a first-round rookie.
It's only Week 1 of training camp, but Golden is already proving the Packers right for pushing him into a featured role.
Mathew Golden is showing early breakout signs in the first week of training camp
"I hope you didn't sell your Matthew Golden stock," writes Jacob Morley of Packer Report.
He's not kidding. The Packers needed Golden to step into a starting job this season, and based on one week of camp, he looks more than ready for the challenge. Golden has been one of Green Bay's standout performers.
"Matthew Golden with an ABSURD over the shoulder catch on a deep moon ball from Love up the right sideline," Aaron Nagler of Cheesehead TV reported from Friday's practice.
It's not just one play, either. Golden has made several big-time catches throughout the early practices of training camp, showing the breakout signs the Packers needed to see.
Jordan Love clearly trusts him. He did last year, too.
Golden was targeted 44 times in his rookie season, but his best work came on third down, where he hauled in nine of 12 targets for 210 yards. He moved the chains on eight of those third-down catches while averaging a ridiculous 23.3 yards per reception.
Love targeted him in the biggest moments. 4th-and-6 with the game on the line in overtime versus the Dallas Cowboys? Love hit Golden for 14 yards. 3rd-and-8 with the game in the balance a week later against the Cincinnati Bengals? Golden made a 31-yard catch to all but seal the win.
How about the playoffs? Everyone remembers Golden's individual effort on a stunning 23-yard touchdown, but it's easy to forget the plays he made after that because the Packers lost the game.
Golden picked up a crucial 12-yard catch on second down late in the fourth quarter, and then, trailing by four points on the final drive of overtime, Love turned his way on 4th-and-7 with the Packers' season on the line. Golden converted for 13 yards.
The trust was there last season, but the opportunities weren't due to the Packers' logjam at receiver. They've streamlined at the position, moving on from key veterans in Doubs and Wicks. Golden is proving them right for that gutsy call.
Packers' gamble to move on from Romeo Doubs looks like the correct call
While Doubs may not have had the game-changing upside as other receivers on the depth chart, it was still a high-risk move to let him walk in free agency. He had been the glue that held the passing game together at times.
Watson has battled injuries. Reed has started seasons hot but then cooled down, and he missed 10 games last year due to foot and collarbone injuries. Golden is still unproven.
Doubs, though, quietly went about his business. When Love needed him, Doubs was there. He was targeted 253 times over the past three seasons, more than any Packers receiver.
But Gutekunst had to make tough decisions. He couldn't keep all of his pass-catchers.
The Packers couldn't move on from Watson. He's simply too important to this offense, even when the ball isn't going his way. Reed is by far the team's best option in the slot and is excellent at adding yards after the catch.
Gutekunst had to decide whether he could trust Golden to become a starter, enough to move on from Doubs. His answer was yes.
Of course, it's still far too early to make any grand declarations or conclusions. Doubs is a reliable possession receiver and can step up in big moments. He will thrive in New England's offense alongside A.J. Brown.
But the Packers had to sacrifice one of their boundary receivers if they truly believed in Golden. That choice was Doubs. Golden needed the snaps, the targets, the opportunities he didn't receive last season. Only then could he reach his sky-high potential and become a true-game-changer in Matt LaFleur's offense.
Based on the early days of summer, Golden is living up to his potential, and then some. Green Bay's roll of the dice is already looking like a brilliant decision.
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