Matthew Golden Pairs NFL-Leading Drops With Top-Tier Production

Published on November 3, 2026. Green Bay Packers receiver Matthew Golden leads the NFL with nine drops, including two against Carolina, in Pro Football Focus’ tracking. His 17.3% drop rate is also the highest among 70 receivers with at least 24 targets. Another data service, Stathead, lists him with eight drops, three more than the next group of players it tracks.

The mistakes have come despite strong overall production. Golden has caught 43 passes for 619 yards and four touchdowns in eight games, with three 100-yard outings. He has recorded at least six catches in each of his last four games and ranks fourth in the league with 80 targets. His current pace over a 17-game season would be 91 catches, 1,315 yards and 8.5 touchdowns.

Green Bay’s passing-game coordinator, Jason Vrable, said Golden has made difficult catches, too, and described improvement as an ongoing process. Coaches point to his workload and the trust quarterback Jordan Love shows him. Against Carolina, Golden dropped a 24-yard touchdown pass, then caught another 24-yard touchdown on the next play.

Golden’s speed has also helped him draw six pass-interference penalties, tied for the league lead with Arizona’s Michael Wilson. Those calls have produced 115 penalty yards, according to Sumer Sports. Vrable said defensive backs sometimes grab Golden when he gets past them, including on plays where he drew two penalties for 61 yards against the Jets.

Receivers coach Noah Pauley said Golden needs to sharpen his focus in critical moments. Vrable said the goal is not only to draw a penalty, but to finish the play with a catch. Golden is expected to continue receiving opportunities as the Packers enter the second half of the season.