The New York Giants’ 2025 offseason is a chance to reset after a dismal 3-14 season. Rookie wideout Malik Nabers was a rare bright spot, but the offense still needs another playmaker to maximize his potential.
Texas receiver Matthew Golden could be the answer. With his dynamic skill set, Golden looks like the perfect addition to Brian Daboll’s system.
In his lone season at Texas, he posted 987 yards, nine touchdowns, and an impressive 17 yards per catch, leading the Longhorns to the College Football Playoff. His game draws comparisons to Brandon Aiyuk, a versatile weapon with positional flexibility. If general manager Joe Schoen wants an explosive, young offense, Golden should be a top target on Day 2 of the draft.
Matthew Golden, Texas’ leading wide receiver in 2024, tells ESPN he’s leaving school early and declaring for the NFL Draft. He had team-highs with 987 yards and 9 receiving touchdowns. He finished with 54 catches and averaged 17 yards per catch. pic.twitter.com/VB552pIxQ5
— Pete Thamel (@PeteThamel) January 13, 2025
Golden’s value grows when factoring in Jalin Hyatt’s underwhelming production and Darius Slayton’s impending free agency. Hyatt’s vague offseason comments suggest he might not stick, and Slayton leaving would only deepen the need at receiver. Pairing Golden with Nabers could finally give the Giants the electric duo they’ve been missing.
Giants have 'Golden' opportunity to build elite WR core
Malik Nabers is the quintessential “X” receiver—physical, reliable, and a nightmare for opposing secondaries. What the Giants need now is a “Z” receiver, someone who can stretch the field, win with quickness, and punish defenses for rolling coverage toward Nabers.
That’s where Matthew Golden comes in.
Golden’s game is all about separation. His speed modulation, sharp route running, and ability to sell vertical routes make him a defensive coordinator’s headache.
He’s also a threat after the catch, turning underneath throws into big plays with his quick acceleration. Imagine a Giants offense where Nabers commands double teams, leaving Golden free to torch corners one-on-one. Sounds dreamy, doesn’t it?
Of course, Golden isn’t a perfect prospect. His blocking needs work, and his concentration drops have been a minor issue. But those are coachable flaws, especially when you consider his knack for making contested catches and his positional versatility. Golden played all over the field at Texas, and that kind of flexibility would be a huge asset for the G-Men.
B/R ranks Matthew Golden 46th overall, comparing him to Brandon Aiyuk for his speed and playmaking versatility.
With Hyatt’s future uncertain and Slayton likely chasing a payday elsewhere, the Giants can’t afford to miss on this opportunity. Drafting Golden would give them two dynamic young receivers to develop alongside their rookie quarterback. For a team desperate to build a new identity, it’s a no-brainer.
If the Giants want to make life easier for their next signal-caller and electrify the fanbase, Golden has to be part of the plan. Pairing him with Malik Nabers could finally give New York the wide receiver duo it needs to compete in the modern NFL. Time will tell if he's still available for Big Blue early in the second round.