Matthew Golden: 40 Time, Draft Pick, Contract and Is He Playing Tonight?
Matthew Golden has quickly become one of the most talked-about young wide receivers on the Green Bay Packers. The former Texas standout entered the NFL as a first-round pick in 2025 after impressing scouts with his explosive speed.
Golden’s 40-yard dash time was one of the biggest talking points surrounding his draft profile. He officially ran 4.29 seconds at the 2025 NFL Scouting Combine, putting his elite straight-line speed on display.
Now in his second NFL season, Golden has a bigger role in Green Bay’s offense. His 2026 season has already included several strong performances, and he delivered his first 100-yard regular-season game against Atlanta in Week 3.
Matthew Golden 40 Time
Matthew Golden’s official 40-yard dash time is 4.29 seconds.
He recorded that mark at the 2025 NFL Scouting Combine. The performance highlighted the speed that helped make him a first-round NFL prospect.
Golden’s speed was also part of the reason Green Bay viewed him as a potential explosive playmaker. NFL.com noted that his college film showed more than simply straight-line speed, including his ability to create separation and track the football downfield.
Matthew Golden Draft Pick
The Green Bay Packers selected Matthew Golden with the No. 23 overall pick in the first round of the 2025 NFL Draft.
The selection was notable because Golden became the Packers’ first wide receiver chosen in the first round in 23 years. He arrived in Green Bay after playing college football at Houston and Texas.
At Texas in 2024, Golden caught 58 passes for 987 yards and nine touchdowns. He averaged 17.02 yards per reception during his final college season.
Matthew Golden Draft Details
| Category | Detail |
|---|---|
| Draft | 2025 NFL Draft |
| Round | First round |
| Pick | No. 23 overall |
| Team | Green Bay Packers |
| Position | Wide receiver |
| College | Texas |
| 40-yard dash | 4.29 seconds |
Matthew Golden Contract
Matthew Golden signed a four-year rookie contract with the Green Bay Packers after being selected in the first round.
According to Over The Cap, his contract is worth $17.575 million, with the full amount listed as guaranteed. His average annual value is approximately $4.394 million.
His contract runs through the 2028 season, with free agency currently listed for 2029. Over The Cap lists his 2026 base salary at $1.005 million, along with a $633,879 roster bonus and $2.356 million in prorated signing bonus.
Matthew Golden Contract Breakdown
| Year | Base Salary | Cap Number |
|---|---|---|
| 2025 | $840,000 | $3.196M |
| 2026 | $1.005M | $3.994M |
| 2027 | $1.120M | $4.793M |
| 2028 | $2.037M | $5.592M |
The figures are based on the current contract information listed by Over The Cap.
Matthew Golden Stats
Golden’s rookie season was relatively modest statistically. In 14 games during the 2025 regular season, he recorded 29 receptions for 361 yards and no touchdowns.
His role has expanded in 2026.
Entering Week 3, Golden had already established himself as an important part of the Packers’ passing game. PFF listed him with 10 receptions for 153 yards through the first two games of the season.
Against Atlanta, Golden produced his biggest game of the young season. He finished with a career-high 100 receiving yards on five receptions and scored his first NFL regular-season touchdown.
Matthew Golden vs. Falcons
The Packers faced the Atlanta Falcons at Lambeau Field on Thursday, September 24, 2026.
Golden played and was productive despite Green Bay ultimately losing 35-14. He finished with five catches for 100 yards and recorded his first regular-season touchdown.
His performance was especially important because Green Bay entered the game without Jayden Reed, who was inactive because of a neck injury.
Golden therefore received an opportunity to take on an even larger role in the Packers’ passing attack.
Is Matthew Golden Playing Tonight?
If you are searching for whether Matthew Golden is playing tonight, the latest date is important.
The Packers vs. Falcons game was played Thursday, September 24, 2026, so Golden is not playing tonight on September 25. The game has already been completed.
Golden was active for the matchup and produced a career-best 100 receiving yards.
The Packers’ official roster currently lists Golden as an active wide receiver wearing No. 0.
Matthew Golden 2026 Season
The 2026 season represents an important opportunity for Golden after a quieter rookie campaign.
The Packers have been expecting him to take on a larger role. Green Bay’s official website identified Golden as one of the players expected to step into the spotlight during the 2026 season.
Through the first three games, his receiving production has begun to show that increased involvement. PFF lists him with 10 receptions for 153 yards entering the Falcons matchup, while his 100-yard performance against Atlanta pushed his season production higher.
Matthew Golden Playing Style
Golden combines speed, acceleration and route-running ability.
His 4.29-second Combine time gives him legitimate deep-threat ability. However, his college profile was not based solely on running fast. NFL.com highlighted his ability to separate from defenders, track the ball and make difficult catches.
That combination makes him an intriguing target for Packers quarterback Jordan Love.
Golden’s development is also happening alongside other talented Green Bay receivers, including Christian Watson. The Packers’ current roster lists Golden as a 5-foot-11, 191-pound receiver.
What Comes Next for Matthew Golden?
Golden’s first 100-yard regular-season performance gives him an important milestone in his second NFL season.
The Packers selected him in the first round because of his potential to become a major part of their offense. His contract also gives Green Bay multiple seasons of cost-controlled team control through the 2028 season.
His next challenge will be maintaining consistent production as opposing defenses adjust to his expanding role.
Matthew Golden FAQs
How fast is Matthew Golden?
Matthew Golden ran an official 4.29-second 40-yard dash at the 2025 NFL Scouting Combine.
What pick was Matthew Golden?
The Green Bay Packers selected Golden with the 23rd overall pick in the first round of the 2025 NFL Draft.
How much is Matthew Golden’s contract worth?
Golden’s four-year rookie contract is worth approximately $17.575 million, according to Over The Cap.
Is Matthew Golden playing tonight?
The Packers played the Atlanta Falcons on September 24, 2026. Golden played in that game and finished with five receptions for 100 yards and a touchdown.
What team does Matthew Golden play for?
Matthew Golden plays wide receiver for the Green Bay Packers. The team’s official roster lists him as an active player.
How many receiving yards did Matthew Golden have against the Falcons?
Golden recorded 100 receiving yards on five receptions against Atlanta on September 24, 2026. He also caught his first NFL regular-season touchdown.
Conclusion
Matthew Golden entered the NFL as the No. 23 overall pick after running a 4.29-second 40-yard dash at the 2025 Combine. His four-year rookie contract is worth $17.575 million, and the Packers have given him an increasingly important role in their offense.
After a modest rookie season, Golden has shown signs of a larger impact in 2026. His 100-yard performance against Atlanta, including his first regular-season touchdown, marked a significant milestone in his young NFL career.
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