Matthew Golden and Savion Williams.
That's the list of Green Bay Packers wide receivers under contract beyond the 2026 season. Nobody else. It leaves the Packers with big decisions to make this offseason, and it begins as early as next month's draft.
We can almost certainly add Christian Watson to that list. The Packers handed Watson just a one-year extension last summer, likely in part due to the significant knee injury he was still recovering from, but it seems inevitable he will sign a multi-year extension in the months ahead. Beyond that, though, the Packers face uncertainty at a crucial position.
Packers could draft a wide receiver far earlier than anybody expects
General manager Brian Gutekunst always has one eye on the future. The Packers' free-agency strategy is a perfect example of this. Gutekunst found ways to add players without costing them the four projected compensatory draft picks they could receive in 2027.
He traded for linebacker Zaire Franklin and signed defensive tackle Javon Hargrave, whom the Minnesota Vikings had released. Neither move counts against the compensatory draft pick formula.
Gutekunst often uses the draft to address future needs. Romeo Doubs and Rasheed Walker departed in free agency, but the Packers had planned ahead by drafting Matthew Golden and Jordan Morgan. He didn't draft Anthony Belton to start in Year 1, nor Lukas Van Ness. Trading up for Jordan Love was the ultimate building-for-the-future selection.
The Packers have already lost Doubs. Next offseason, Jayden Reed and Dontayvion Wicks have expiring contracts.
One of them might be back, but it won't be easy to pay both, especially if they extend Watson's deal this offseason. Tucker Kraft is also in line for a massive payday.
Golden's role will expand this season, and the Packers need more from Williams, but Gutekunst may start planning for 2027 free agency by adding another receiver in April. Golden showed flashes of star potential as a rookie, but Williams barely played on offense.
They are the only two receivers under contract beyond 2026. Even if we add Watson to that list, assuming he lands a multi-year extension this summer, that's still only three. One of Reed or Wicks could return in 2027, but that's hardly guaranteed.
Gutekunst often has an eye on the future. He did last year by drafting Golden and Belton.
With Doubs now in New England and uncertainty facing the wide receiver corps beyond 2026, don't be surprised if the Packers add another pass-catcher in April. And perhaps earlier than anyone expects.