DONE DEAL: Mark Murphy Willing to Sacrifice Romeo Doubs and Jayden Reed to Spend Big Money on Matthew Golden with 23rd Pick?

On April 25, 2025, the Green Bay Packers made headlines at the NFL Draft in Green Bay, selecting Texas wide receiver Matthew Golden with the 23rd overall pick, as announced by Packers President and CEO Mark Murphy. The electric atmosphere at Lambeau Field erupted with cheers from fans, who celebrated the addition of the speedy playmaker. However, posts on X and speculative reports have fueled a controversial narrative: that Murphy and the Packers are willing to “sacrifice” wide receivers Romeo Doubs and Jayden Reed to prioritize Golden. This claim, while attention-grabbing, lacks substantive evidence and requires careful scrutiny.

The Draft Pick: Matthew Golden Joins the Packers

Matthew Golden, a 5’11”, 191-pound receiver, brings elite speed (4.29-second 40-yard dash) and proven production to Green Bay. In his 2024 season with Texas, Golden recorded 58 receptions for 987 yards and nine touchdowns, showcasing crisp route-running and explosive yards-after-catch ability (5.8 YAC per catch). His versatility as a kick returner, with two touchdown returns at Houston, adds immediate special teams value. The pick, celebrated by fans and reported by Yahoo Sports, marked a rare first-round receiver selection for the Packers, who haven’t taken one since Javon Walker in 2002.

Murphy’s announcement was preceded by a nod to the franchise’s storied history, and Golden’s onstage embrace with the NFL commissioner drew another roar from the Lambeau crowd. The selection addresses a need in the receiver room, especially with Christian Watson sidelined until late 2025 due to a January ACL tear and both Watson and Doubs entering contract years.

The Rumor: Sacrificing Doubs and Reed?

The claim that Murphy is willing to “sacrifice” Romeo Doubs and Jayden Reed to “spend big money” on Golden has circulated on X and in fan discussions. A post by @JohnJohnalytics on X lamented, “The Packers pick another mid receiver to add to their awful rotation… Golden, Doubs, Reed, Wicks, Watson… YIKES,” reflecting frustration with the team’s receiver depth. Another user, @rotobot_ai, praised Golden’s fantasy football potential but highlighted the crowded receiver room with Reed and Doubs.

The notion of “sacrificing” Doubs and Reed likely stems from their contract situations and the team’s depth at the position. Doubs, a 2022 fourth-round pick, and Reed, a 2023 second-round pick, are both on rookie contracts, with Doubs in a contract year and Reed eligible for an extension after 2025. Doubs, who caught 59 passes for 674 yards and eight touchdowns in 2023, has been named a “surprise” trade candidate by Bleacher Report’s Moe Moton due to the team’s depth with Reed, Watson, and Dontayvion Wicks. Reed, who led the team in 2024 with 55 receptions for 857 yards, is a reliable slot receiver but saw limited snaps in two-receiver sets as a rookie, raising questions about his role.

The phrase “spend big money” is misleading, as Golden’s first-round contract will be governed by the NFL’s rookie wage scale, with an estimated four-year value of around $12–15 million, including a signing bonus of approximately $6 million. This is significantly less than veteran free-agent deals or extensions for established stars. Trading or releasing Doubs and Reed would yield minimal cap savings—Doubs’ 2025 cap hit is under $4 million, and Reed’s is around $2 million—while losing proven contributors.

Analyzing the Evidence

No credible reports confirm that Murphy or GM Brian Gutekunst plan to trade or release Doubs and Reed to prioritize Golden. The Packers’ strategy under Gutekunst has emphasized drafting and developing young talent, with 14 receivers selected since 2018, including Watson, Doubs, Reed, and Wicks. The selection of Golden aligns with this approach, adding a high-upside player to complement Jordan Love’s vertical passing game under coach Matt LaFleur.

Doubs’ trade candidacy, as noted by Heavy.com, is speculative and tied to the team’s depth rather than a direct link to Golden. His age (24) and athleticism could attract trade interest, but his 2023 playoff performance (six catches for 151 yards against Dallas) underscores his value. Reed, despite a dip in yardage late in 2024, remains a cornerstone of the offense, with his slot proficiency and punt-return skills. Trading either would contradict the Packers’ investment in their development, especially with Watson’s injury concerns creating a need for reliable targets.

The “big money” narrative may also reflect fan anxiety about future cap decisions. The Packers face a projected $30 million in dead money in 2025, with Love’s $220.8 million extension and potential deals for players like Josh Jacobs looming. However, Golden’s rookie deal is cost-controlled, and moving Doubs or Reed would not significantly alleviate cap constraints while weakening the offense.

Fan and Media Sentiment

X posts reveal mixed reactions. Some fans, like @_STXMario, view Golden as a valuable addition to the receiver trio of Watson, Reed, and Doubs, enhancing Love’s weapons. Others, like @JohnJohnalytics, criticize the pick as redundant, arguing the receiver room is already cluttered. Media outlets, such as Sportskeeda, note the rarity of Green Bay taking a first-round receiver, with analyst Peter Schrager suggesting Golden’s slide to 23 was too good to pass up, despite the team’s defensive draft tendencies.

Packers Wire reported the team’s pre-draft interest in Golden, including a top-30 visit and attendance at Texas’ pro day, indicating a deliberate evaluation process. The selection aligns with Gutekunst’s willingness to take best-player-available risks, as seen with Watson’s 2022 second-round pick.

Critical Perspective

The claim that Murphy is “willing to sacrifice” Doubs and Reed oversimplifies the Packers’ roster strategy and exaggerates Golden’s immediate financial impact. The team’s receiver depth is a strength, not a liability, allowing LaFleur to deploy versatile formations. Trading Doubs or Reed would likely require a significant return, such as a high draft pick or a proven veteran like D.K. Metcalf, as speculated in earlier reports, but no such deal has been confirmed.

The narrative also ignores the Packers’ cap management philosophy, which prioritizes draft picks over splashy free-agent signings. Golden’s selection is about long-term planning, especially with Watson’s injury history and the need for a potential No. 1 receiver by 2026. Claims of “sacrificing” key players seem driven by fan frustration after a 9-8 season in 2024 and the team’s 14-year Super Bowl drought, rather than concrete roster moves.

Conclusion

The Packers’ selection of Matthew Golden at No. 23 is a bold move to bolster their passing game, but the idea that Mark Murphy is ready to sacrifice Romeo Doubs and Jayden Reed to “spend big money” on Golden is speculative and unsupported. Golden’s rookie contract is cost-effective, and Doubs and Reed remain integral to the offense, with no confirmed trade plans. The Packers are building around Jordan Love with young, affordable talent, and Golden’s addition enhances their depth rather than signaling a roster purge. As Green Bay prepares for the 2025 season, fans and analysts will watch closely for any trade activity, but for now, this “done deal” is more about draft excitement than dramatic sacrifices.

Sources: Yahoo Sports, Heavy.com, Packers Wire, Sportskeeda, posts on X