Matthew Golden drew comparisons to Christian Watson within minutes of becoming the Green Bay Packers' first-round draft choice. He has officially signed his Packers contract, which provides further proof of the opportunity in front of him.
According to ESPN's Adam Schefter, Golden has eclipsed Watson as the Packers' highest-paid pass-catcher, signing a deal with a $4.39 million average annual value. It overshadows Watson's $2.39 million, which had previously led the group.
Golden signed a fully-guaranteed contract. Watson didn't.
ESPN's Rob Demovsky reports that Golden will receive a signing bonus of $9.42 million — he will receive more money before playing a single snap than Watson has in his entire Packers career.
It's difficult not to view Golden as a potential successor to Watson, whose contract expires at the end of the season. Watson has battled injuries throughout his rookie deal, and he is still recovering from a late-season knee injury that could cause him to miss a significant chunk of 2025.
Matthew Golden remains Packers' likely long-term Christian Watson replacement
The two wide receivers don't have identical skill sets. Watson is bigger and has the clear size advantage, but Golden is slightly faster, having run a 4.29-second 40-yard dash compared to Watson's 4.36 — he must prove he can play at that speed.
Green Bay's offense thrives when there is an element of speed. Watson is often used to stretch defenses vertically and create mismatches underneath. Golden can provide that, and then some, while offering more in the intermediate passing game.
The dream scenario is Watson returning from injury and creating an unstoppable pairing with Golden, enough to make the Packers rethink their plans and re-sign their former second-rounder.
Trading Romeo Doubs would increase that possibility.
For now, though, that feels like wishful thinking. A massive Zach Tom extension is on the horizon and the Packers can't keep everyone.
They will likely part ways with two starting offensive linemen by next offseason. Watson and Doubs could join them, with Golden taking the reins on his fresh, fully-guaranteed contract.