In his penultimate college season, Matthew Golden didn't lead Houston in receiving — Sam Brown Jr. did. Now, they reunite with the Green Bay Packers, and the team's newest signing could surprise a few people this summer.
The Packers announced that they have signed Brown, who went undrafted in last month's draft.
Golden and Brown spent two seasons together in Houston. In 2023, it was Brown, not the future first-round pick, who led the way with 62 catches for 815 yards and three touchdowns. Golden settled for 404 yards and six scores on 38 catches.
They then went their separate ways.
Brown spent his final college season catching passes from first-overall pick Cam Ward in Miami, while Golden rose to stardom in a dominant year with Texas. The Packers ended their draft-day drought by selecting Golden, giving Jordan Love the first-round wide receiver Aaron Rodgers never had.
Much has changed since their last season together. Golden sits atop the depth chart alongside Jayden Reed and Romeo Doubs — he could become Love's go-to target before long.
Brown, meanwhile, faces an uphill battle to make the roster in a crowded wide receiver room, but it's easy to see why the Packers like him.
New Packers wide receiver Sam Brown Jr. is a player to watch this summer
There's precious little room on the roster, but don't count out Brown.
You've probably heard it a million times before, but the Packers love to bring in elite athletes, and Brown checks that box with his Relative Athletic Score of 9.91. For comparison, Christian Watson scored a near-perfect 9.99.
According to Packer Report's Jacob Morley, Brown is tough to bring down, having forced 20 missed tackles during his standout 2023 season in Houston.
Brown has everything to prove after going undrafted, especially after failing to land a roster spot with the Miami Dolphins following their rookie minicamp.
But he gets a fresh start, and the Packers will give him a fair opportunity. You only have to ask Malik Heath, Bo Melton, and Allen Lazard, who all overcame the odds to become contributors on offense.
Brown will get that chance.
He must carve out a role in a wide receiver room already featuring Golden, Reed, Doubs, Dontayvion Wicks, Mecole Hardman, Heath, and Melton. And that's not including Christian Watson, who Matt LaFleur said is "ahead of schedule" in his recovery from a torn ACL.
But Brown has talent, and he is a player to watch closely. Alongside his college teammate, he has a Golden opportunity.