One recent Patriots' free-agent signee hasn't received much attention but may be a very nice addition indeed. While most hype has justifiably gone to massive dollar-signings like Milton Williams, Carlton Davis III, and Robert Spillane, a relatively unheralded wide receiver could also be a great add.
That wide receiver is Mack Hollins, a 31-year-old, eight-year veteran, most recently from the Buffalo Bills. And Buffalo Bill Nation ain't too happy about his leaving. (Isn't addition by subtraction great?!) Hollins augments a very shallow Patriots' receiving corps. While he may not be a No. 1 or No. 2 wide receiver (WR), he'll bring solid performance enhancements both at WR and elsewhere.
Here, we'll look at this flying-under-the-radar type player who will more than justify the Patriots' reasonable investment of $8.4M with $3.5M of guaranteed cash over two years. With Mack Hollins, the sum of the contributory parts of his game will likely more than add up to what's initially evident.
Patriots' signed WR Mack Hollins to add big-play ability to the offense
Hollins's 2024 stats aren't eye-openers. In 2024, he only caught 31 passes on 50 targets. But there's more to his game than meets the eye. Among his skills is a healthy yard-per-catch average of 12.8 for his career (12.2 last season). He gets open for big-gainers when he's thrown to.
In addition, of those 31 catches in 2024, a whopping 25 went for first downs. Those are drive-extenders and, ultimately, point-getters. If the Patriots need anything, it's playmakers at the wideout position. They have none except Pop Douglas, who even approaches that distinction. (Interestingly, another player with that potential is Marcus Jones, who's mistakenly been played on defense.)
Topping off the big-play indicators for Hollins is his penchant for scoring touchdowns. In 2024, five of his 31 catches resulted in TDs. That's a solid ratio that screams for Drake Maye to get him the ball in or near the red zone and let him work.
He has the potential to be a solid weapon for Drake Maye to work with
These statistics represent Mack Hollins's likelihood of being a meaningful contributor to the Patriots' passing game if he's given the opportunity. Last season, in Josh Allen's offense, he started 13 games and participated in 720, or 66 percent of the Bills' offensive snaps.
While Hollins won't measure high on the NFL Richter scale, he'll nevertheless be a big target who makes good things happen in the passing game. Hollins makes plays, and plays win games. Mike Vrabel has added terrific playmakers on defense with his free-agent signings. Hollins is a little-heralded offensive addition, but a playmaker, nonetheless.
Yet, that's not the only area where he'll contribute. He's also a special teamer. Hollins had 100, 2024 special team plays to accompany his offensive contributions. Good teams utilize all the skills their players have to win games. No one knows that more than Vrabel.
Besides being a top edge player, Vrabel also contributed as a goal-line tight end with a fantastic record catching TD passes from Tom Brady. If a player like Hollins can add to a position other than his primary one of wide receiver, he'll be called on to do so if it helps to win.
The Patriots don't have a No. 1 or No. 2 wide receiver. Mack Hollins won't fill either of those roles. Vrabel will have to fill them elsewhere. Yet, Hollins can and will project as a 2B or No. 3 type, as well as a third-down and big red zone threat. Not all the players you sign can be Pro Bowlers. Hollins isn't one. Yet, players like him help create winners. And that's what it's all about.