Packers Add Former Teammate of Matthew Golden, Bolster Wide Receiver Depth
Following the conclusion of the 2024 NFL season, it became clear the Green Bay Packers needed to strengthen their wide receiver group. Christian Watson is expected to miss the start of the 2025 season due to a torn ACL suffered in Week 18, and the trio of Jayden Reed, Romeo Doubs, and Dontayvion Wicks ranked among the league’s worst in both total drops and drop percentage.
As a result, many anticipated that Green Bay would seek reinforcements via free agency or trade. While the team did sign veteran receiver and three-time Super Bowl champion Mecole Hardman, they remained relatively quiet until the 2025 NFL Draft.
In a notable move, the Packers used their first-round pick on a wide receiver for the first time since 2002, selecting Texas standout Matthew Golden with the 23rd overall pick. They followed that up by drafting Savion Williams from TCU in the third round.
A Crowded Receiver Room in Green Bay
Even with Watson likely sidelined to begin the season, the Packers now have a crowded wide receiver room. Along with Hardman, Golden, and Williams, the team also brought back Bo Melton, who was re-signed earlier in the offseason.
As it stands, the Packers’ 90-man offseason roster includes the following receivers:
- Christian Watson
- Romeo Doubs
- Jayden Reed
- Dontayvion Wicks
- Matthew Golden
- Savion Williams
- Malik Heath
- Bo Melton
- Mecole Hardman
- Jadon Janke
- Julian Hicks
- Cornelius Johnson
Typically, under head coach Matt LaFleur, the team carries no more than seven receivers on the final 53-man roster. More often, that number sits at five or six, suggesting that many of these current names won’t make the final cut.
Packers Sign Sam Brown Jr., Former Houston and Miami Wideout
Despite already having a full wide receiver group, Green Bay added another player to the mix by signing undrafted rookie Sam Brown Jr. on Thursday. Brown played his final collegiate season at Miami (FL) but previously teamed up with Golden at the University of Houston.
According to the Packers’ official release, Brown (6-2, 200 lbs) also played at West Virginia (2020–21) and Houston (2022–23) before transferring to Miami. He took part in the Miami Dolphins’ rookie minicamp earlier this month.
Over his college career, Brown appeared in 43 games with 28 starts, totaling 149 catches for 1,903 yards and nine touchdowns. His standout year came in 2023 at Houston, where he earned All-Big 12 honorable mention after leading the team with 62 receptions and 815 yards.
Interestingly, during that season, he ranked first for Houston in receptions and yardage — ahead of Matthew Golden, who ranked third in both categories. Brown will wear jersey No. 17 with the Packers.
