Fans hoping to see more of Green Bay Packers first-round rookie wide receiver Matthew Golden in the 2025 NFL playoffs shouldn’t hold their breath.
Golden — the first receiver the Packers have drafted in the first round since 2002 — has not had the standout role on offense that many expected he would as an NFL rookie. In 13 games, he has produced just 28 receptions for 353 yards and scored no touchdowns while receiving the sixth-most targets (41) on Green Bay’s roster.
Golden also ranks outside the top 10 among 2025 rookies in all four major categories.
While Golden’s relatively minor presence has led some fans to think he might become a secret weapon for them in the playoffs, though, Packers offensive coordinator Adam Stenavich essentially put that theory to rest during his January 1 weekly availability.
“I think Golden’s got a really bright future,” Stenavich said Thursday. “He’s very talented and his time will come, but I think, right now, with the room the way it is, he’s not gonna be in that premier role when the playoffs come around. But, again, if you told me that he’s the No. 1 receiver on a play, I’d be very excited about it, too. We have a lot of really good options when it comes to wide receiver right now, which is a blessing.”
Matt LaFleur Indicates Injury Set Back Matthew Golden
Golden seemed like he might break through for the Packers early on in 2025.
He went on a tear between Weeks 3 and 7, catching 16 of 19 targets for 233 yards and posting a team-high 86 receiving yards in Week 6’s win over the Cincinnati Bengals. Then, in November, he missed three of four games due to wrist and shoulder injuries, which seemingly caused him to lose standing in the Packers’ receiving hierarchy.
Turns out, Golden’s injuries proved a major obstacle to his development in 2025.
“I know he’s got a bright, bright future in front of him,” Packers head coach Matt LaFleur told reporters on January 2. “It was kind of a unique deal in terms of not many rookie players, especially first-rounders, come into a situation where there’s a bunch of guys that have kind of established themselves a little bit. You can see, it feels like each week, there is a different guy who is going to lead us in receiving.
“I think MG’s done an outstanding job. I thought he was on track and unfortunately had to deal with a little bit of injury that just made it a little bit more choppy, I would say, in regard to his ability to get in there and have meaningful snaps. But he has a ton of upside. I love how he approaches the game, and he’ll continue to learn and get better and better.”
Matthew Golden Should Have Bigger Role in 2026
The Packers were bound to catch backlash from some fans about how they have used Golden throughout his rookie season, and they have earned some of it. Like in Week 17, when they opted to target Bo Melton just as many times as their prized rookie receiver.
At the same time, the points that LaFleur and Stenavich made about their receiving corps’ strength also ring true. Golden is a talented wide receiver, but Romeo Doubs, Christian Watson, Jayden Reed and Dontayvion Wicks all entered the season with established roles on offense, putting the first-round rookie in an unusual situation.
The Packers have also spent the better part of the past two decades trying to effectively “redshirt” their rookie draft picks as part of their draft-and-develop philosophy.
The good news? Golden should have a much bigger role for the Packers in 2026.
For starters, the Packers won’t likely have Doubs anymore. While they could re-sign him before free agency begins in March, they seem likely to let him walk with Reed, Watson, Wicks, Golden and third-round rookie Savion Williams under contract in 2026. If they are pleased with both rookies, they may also look to trade Wicks.
Golden will also have a season under his belt of learning the intricacies of LaFleur’s offense and building chemistry with quarterback Jordan Love. He will still need to stay healthy to stay available, but those factors should help him thrive in his second year.
Packers Make Brutal Admission About Matthew Golden for NFL Playoffs