Why the Packers’ faith in Matthew Golden hasn’t wavered despite a rocky rookie season, according to Matt LaFleur.QQ
First-round wide receiver Matthew Golden hasn’t had the rookie season expected.
The Green Bay Packers finally drafted a first-round wide receiver for the first time since 2002, but Matthew Golden’s rookie year hasn’t gone exactly like expected. Even though his separation stats are good and he catches the ball when targeted (zero drops), Golden hasn’t carved out a significant role within the offense.
So far this season, Golden has also handled shoulder and wrist injuries, which affects his performance and availability. Through 13 Packers games, Golden has appeared in 10, but was limited in at least two.
“When you’re away from it for a minute, yeah, there’s a little bit of a process,” head coach Matt LaFleur said in regards to Golden being limited in his return to action. “He’s a guy that we certainly feel really good about, and we need to make sure we get him into the game, because he can impact the game.”
Confidence in what Golden can do
So far this season, Matthew Golden has been targeted 32 times. He’s had 24 receptions for 286 yards, but no touchdowns. Golden has generated an 88.8 passer rating when targeted.
Despite the underwhelming start, Matt LaFleur wants to see him be more involved in the offense down the stretch.
“We all see what he can do as a receiver, and we have a lot of confidence in him,” LaFleur added. “I know he hasn’t gotten as many opportunities as he’d like this year, and some of that is due to the fact that he has been a little bit banged up and been in and out a little bit.”
Naturally, the Packers tend to be patient with young players — even great wide receivers like Greg Jennings, Jordy Nelson, Randall Cobb, and Davante Adams had a longer acclimation period compared to star receivers elsewhere.
The Packers are taking their time with Matthew Golden, and he’s under contract through 2028 — with a team option for 2029. Ideally, you want contributions right away, but it’s too early to make any type of definitive proclamation about what Golden can or can’t be in the NFL. For now, the Packers trust and value what they have seen.
