Chris Hogan all class as he reflects on his Patriots tenure

Former Patriots wide receiver Chris Hogan, now with the Panthers, was the consummate professional while reflecting on his time in New England.

“I’d rather not go into too much detail on that, but it’s business, and I understand that.”

That was veteran receiver Chris Hogan’s response to ESPN reporters when asked if his signing with the Carolina Panthers in free agency was a result of the New England Patriots as a team deciding to move on from him. Most of the time with free agency, it’s either a case of a player wanting a fresh start or a team wanting a fresh start without that player; rarely is it a completely mutual decision in which both parties amicably split ways.

So whether or not Hogan wanted to remain with the Patriots in New England is unknown. It’s likely he probably did, as he’s got a wife and a young family, and making the move from the Long Island area he called home while with the Pats to the Carolinas represents a major relocation and shift. Even from a football perspective, it’s hard to envision Hogan preferring catching passes from Cam Newton (or rookie Will Grier if Newton’s shoulder remains troublesome) over Tom Brady, the G.O.A.T… even if he may get more snaps and opportunities in the Panthers’ uninspired receiving corps.

More than anything though, the answer was emblematic of just how much a professional Hogan is both and off the football field. He understands that while he’s playing a game on TV, it’s still very much a business-driven league with business-driven interests and decisions. Patriots head coach and general manager Bill Belichick is also, of course, famous for his background of making business-based football decisions, even when they’re ruthless or unpopular with players or fans.

Hogan’s production over three years as a Patriot was good if not great. He had his bright spots, like in an incredible performance against the Pittsburgh Steelers in the AFC Championship during his first year in New England. He also had plenty of forgettable moments when he seemed to fade from the roster entirely, especially during stretches of time over the regular season.

All in all though, he said all the right things while reflecting back on his New England tenure. While professing he’d miss his teammates and the strong bonds he formed with them the most, he also admitted that as far as contributing in three straight Super Bowl seasons over three years as a Patriot, it “doesn’t get much better than that.”

"“I appreciate everything that was given to me in New England — the opportunity to go there and play — and I’ll always hold every single one of those people in that organization [in high regard]: Mr. [Robert] Kraft, Bill [Belichick]. It was time to move on, I guess. I take it for what it is. I enjoyed my time. And now I’m excited about the opportunity in front of me.”"

Hogan figures to slot in amongst the top-four options on Carolina’s receiving depth chart, alongside fellow veteran Torrey Smith and up-and-coming prospects Curtis Samuel and DJ Moore.