The Green Bay Packers expect big things from wide receiver Matthew Golden in Year 2. They signaled their belief in the No. 23 overall pick by clearing the way for his unrivaled climb up the depth chart, allowing Romeo Doubs to depart in free agency and trading Dontayvion Wicks. Golden slots in as the projected WR3 behind Christian Watson and Jayden Reed.
He may turn his exciting potential into something more sooner rather than later. Golden picked up in OTAs where he left off in the Wild Card Round. Could he give Reed a run for his money as the second option?
It wouldn't be fair to dismiss Reed after he led the team in receiving in 2023 and '24, when he was healthy. It's also true that he is coming off an injury-shortened year and that the Packers presumably do expect Golden, at some point, to surpass him in the receiver hierarchy. Training camp should help clarify where that conversation stands.
Matthew Golden-Jayden Reed competition could kick off sooner than expected
To be clear, any Golden versus Reed debate will be more about the former's ascension than any shortcomings from the latter. Last December, Reed returned from surgery on both his foot and collarbone to resume a productive role in the Packers' offense.
Including the playoffs and throwing out eight meaningless Week 18 snaps, he accounted for 20 catches, 205 receiving yards, and a touchdown in his last five games. That's a pretty smooth reintegration for a guy who missed three months midseason. Having signed a three-year, $50 million extension this offseason, Reed is part of the plan moving forward.
That said, while Watson figures to be the obvious top option, the gap between Reed and Golden could narrow noticeably over the course of the season until they are more co-second options than No. 2 and No. 3. That closing of the gap could even be established by Week 1. Competition in the presumed pecking order would be a decidedly good problem to have.
The Packers need Golden to make a sizable leap, anyway, after an underwhelming rookie campaign. As the team's first Round 1 receiver since Javon Walker in 2002, he is under no small pressure to pay off the investment. The sooner, the better.
Whether Golden is ready to shake up the rotation as soon as this season is something Packers fans will have a better idea about once the pads go on in training camp and 'real football' begins.
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