More Golden opportunities for Matthew Golden in 2026? |

What started out as a great story being the first WR taken in the first round by the Packers since 2002, turned out to be less than spectacular.

That is if you take a look at the numbers.

Not numbers you would expect from a first round WR.

But when Golden did get the ball he made the most of his opportunities.

Thrust into action right away, Golden was mainly the 3rd or 4th WR behind Romeo Doubs, Jayden Reed.

He did split time with Dontayvion Wicks as the 3rd WR.

But once Christian Watson came back from his torn ACL the season before, Golden got lost in the fold.

Sparingly playing and getting opportunities, along with battling injuries Golden finished the regular season with no touchdown passes thrown his way.

In the playoffs though Golden got his first and only touchdown against the Bears giving the Packers the lead late in the 4th quarter.

As it turns out, that was the last touchdown of the season for the Packers.

Coming into 2026 though, is there a chance that Golden will have more playing time?

The way things are looking, he may get more opportunities.

More Opportunities

A number of things partially affected Matthew Goldens playing time.

One of the things that didn’t work in Matthew Goldens favor is the depth chart.

When you have Reed, Doubs, Wicks and even Watson ahead of you on the depth chart that is a lot of talent ahead of you.

Especially as a rookie, you have experience and talent ahead of you, not the best combination.

The return of Watson mid-season even further depleted the chance of Goldens playing time.

Both Watson and Golden have the same type of skill set.

Size, speed and ability to stretch the field.

Furthermore that was the reason why the Packers choose Golden in the first round as Watson wasn’t coming back until midseason.

But in 2026, there will be opportunities for Golden.

With the future looking very cloudy on Romeo Doubs, who is a pending Free agent, the Packers have the depth to let Doubs go.

If the Packers let go of Doubs, that would essentially move Watson up the depth chart.

But after that, there is the question of who will start opposite of Watson.

Reed, Wicks and Golden all have things that they are good at but all three could battle it out in training camp for the 2nd WR spot.

At worst, Golden would be number 3 on the depth chart.

We’ve heard about the year 2 jump for all rookies that have played in the NFL.

For Matthew Golden, he could very easily make that jump in year 2.

On the practice field QB Jordan Love felt very comfortable with Golden.

Furthermore, coaches and players raved about his performance in training camp.

I believe that Golden can make that year 2 jump and get the opportunities he needs in 2026.

He showed it last year multiple times that in certain moments, he can be clutch.

That will be something to watch for in year 2 as Golden develops into what could be a breakout year for him.