Who Should I Start? Jaxon Smith-Njigba or Matthew Golden

Thursday, June 11, 5:25 AM

Green Bay Packers wide receiver Matthew Golden was one of the most debated rookies entering the 2025 season, with many considering his first-round selection in the NFL Draft a reach. For most of the season, the debate seemed to be settled, but with Golden saving his best performance for the playoffs, his supporters left the year with optimism for 2026. Golden caught four passes for 84 yards and his first touchdown of the season in a Wild Card loss to the Bears, and with the Packers allowing Romeo Doubs to walk in free agency and trading away Dontayvion Wicks, Golden has a realistic chance at an every-down role and the second receiver spot in two-receiver sets alongside breakout candidate Christian Watson. Through three seasons in the league, slot receiver Jayden Reed has run only nine total routes out of formations with two or fewer receivers on the field, and with the Packers deploying 11 personnel less than 21 other teams in the league in 2025, the path for an expanded role is evident for Golden. While a breakout of his own requires a fair bit of projection, at RotoBaller's dynasty WR47, the soon-to-be-23-year-old first-rounder is worth inquiring about in trade conversations after a disappointing rookie season.