In what has been a defensive heavy day for the Patriots at the start of free agency, now takes a turn to the offense, adding to the only two players they have signed to help Drake Maye so far.
Besides bringing back tight end Austin Hooper and adding a solid piece at right tackle with Morgan Moses, they have now signed a wide receiver and it's not exactly the player Patriots fans were hoping for. However, it's a start and gives Maye another weapon to work with.
On top of that, it's always fun to steal a player from a divisional rival, which is what New England just did by signing Mack Hollins to a two-year deal instead of him returning to the Bills next season.
The #Patriots have agreed to terms with WR Mack Hollins on a two-year, $8.4 million deal that maxes out at $10.4 million, source says. A reunion with Josh McDaniels.
— Mike Garafolo (@MikeGarafolo) March 10, 2025
Deal done by @SteveCaric of @wass_football to give Hollins a nice payday to buy many things except shoes 👞. pic.twitter.com/Z0Teh2kJS7
It's another reunion in Foxboro, as Hollins was on the Raiders when Josh McDaniels was the head coach. It follows the pattern of familiarity with most of Monday's signings, which can be viewed either as good or bad, depending on how you look at it.
The Patriots make their first move at wide receiver by signing Mack Hollins
After trading away Stefon Diggs, the Bills needed a new target for QB Josh Allen to work with, and Hollins rose in the ranks to help achieve that. Although he was never considered the WR1 to replace Diggs, he was reliable and made an impact when called upon, which is exactly the kind of player the Patriots need.
He spent just one year in Buffalo, recording 31 receptions for 378 yards and five touchdowns; so nothing too flashy but nothing to dismiss, either.
Hollins also brings special team experience, which is much needed in New England. His familiarity with Josh McDaniels is invaluable. He already knows the kind of coach he is and understands his playbook, so it won't be too difficult to grasp once he practices with the team.
This doesn't, however, mean the Patriots won't be interested in adding another receiver in free agency/trade or in the draft. Hollins will inevitably be an asset on offense, but he's not the caliber of player the team needs. That is especially true when some top names are still available, like Amari Cooper and Cooper Kupp.