Rumor season is in full swing, and talks of a potential DK Metcalf trade heated up entering the weekend.
The Green Bay Packers need pass-catching help, and they seemingly have no plans to hide their offseason intentions. While The Athletic's Matt Schneidman threw cold water on rumors of trade negotiations between the Packers and Seattle Seahawks, all signs point toward the team upgrading its receiving corps.
Trading for Metcalf is a possibility, as is reuniting with Davante Adams. Who knows, maybe the Packers could surprise everyone by making a move for Deebo Samuel.
Metcalf makes the most sense. His ability to stretch defenses vertically would give the Packers' offense the element it lacks without Christian Watson, who will miss part of the 2025 season and could depart in free agency next year.
However, it takes two sides to negotiate a deal, and rumors of Seattle requesting a first-rounder in return could be too rich for Green Bay's liking. Fortunately, the Packers have identified a potential alternative.
Packers confirm interest in perfect DK Metcalf alternative by meeting with Matthew Golden
According to college football insider CJ Vogel of OnTexasFootball, the Packers were one of seven teams to formally meet with Texas wide receiver Matthew Golden at the NFL Combine.
Look, I get it. It has been over two decades since the Packers last drafted a wide receiver in the first round. Metcalf was four years old. By the time we had booted up the dial-up internet to complain about a draft pick online, the team had already made another three selections.
But the Packers may have the perfect opportunity to end that drought — a Golden opportunity, if you will.
Golden checks so many boxes for the Packers.
He can do a bit of everything. Green Bay needs a receiver who can win deep, especially while Watson is out of the lineup. Golden uses his speed to generate big plays downfield, but he also has the route-running and separation ability to win in other ways.
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Lance Zierlein of NFL.com compared Golden to New Orleans Saints star wide receiver Chris Olave.
"Golden's starting-level traits and big leap forward as a go-to playmaker have him primed to become a productive catch-maker with the potential to develop into a WR1 in the future," writes Zierlein.
This season, Golden caught 58 passes for 987 yards and nine touchdowns, averaging an impressive 17 yards per reception.
In the short term, Golden could use his speed and deep-threat skills to stretch defenses vertically, something the Packers' offense was crying out for without Watson in the playoffs. Thinking of the bigger picture, he could become a star WR1 for Jordan Love.
Analysts expect Golden to go late in the first round or early in the second. The Packers rarely select receivers on Day 1, but that doesn't mean they haven't tried. They had reported interest in Justin Jefferson and Brandon Aiyuk but didn't get the opportunity to draft them. In 2022, Brian Gutekunst tried to trade into the first round for Watson and eventually selected him with the second pick on Day 2.
The Packers may prefer to go in another direction early, but if they can improve their pass rush and cornerback room in free agency, Golden would be a perfect alternative to a Metcalf trade.