Friday afternoon was a busy one for the Patriots, as the team finalized deals with offensive lineman Wes Schweitzer and LB K'Lavon Chaisson. Spillane, Carlton Davis and more have elected to suit up for the squad, moving the Pats into an entirely new direction. Amid these signing was another addition that flew somewhat under the radar—veteran wide receiver Mack Hollins. The former Super Bowl champion inked a two-year, $8.4 million deal with the Patriots, bringing experience, size, and versatility to a receiving corps in desperate need of reinforcements.
So, what does this signing mean for the team? Will Hollins carve out any signficant playing time in the offense at all, or is he more of a situational player? Let’s break down his fit, potential impact, and what this move signals for the Patriots moving forward.
The 6-4 wide receiver arrived barefoot—yes, barefoot, to his first team press conference, voicing what factors ultimately led him to New England. He leaped at the opportunity to join forces with his former coach once more, as he played the best football of his career under McDaniels. Hollins also admires the Patriots culture and spoke about his appreciation for the team's system. But how will HIS game fit in with the Patriots?
Don't let the statistics fool you. While Hollins only nabbed 31 out of 50 catches (along with 5 TDs), his yard-per-catch numbers tell an entirely different story. With a career receiving average of 12.8, Hollins has proven himself as a big-play threat, capable of stretching the field and making contested grabs down the sideline. His 6-foot-4 frame, combined with his physicality, gives the Patriots a much-needed red-zone target—an area they struggled with last season.
Hollins, now 31, is also ready and willing to take on any offensive role McDaniels sees fit.
"Whatever [it] is—playing inside, outside, if [Coach] wants me to block, if he wants me to run, if he wants me to catch, if he wants me to pass...whatever it is I'll do, that’s the expectation of every guy. I’m willing to do whatever it takes to help the team win. I just want to win. I’m hoping to be whatever coach wants me to be."
Hollins, a former North Carolina Tar Heel, knows what sort of wide receiver Drake Maye needs to do well, being closely knit with the Maye family for over a decade now. A big-bodied target, Hollins could serve as a valuable security blanket for Maye. The Josh Allen--Drake Maye comparison only feels more potent with this trade, as fans will now get to see if the two can develop a similar on-field rapport. Hollins is determined to utilize his veteran experience to elevate other receivers as well, giving Javon Baker and Kayshon Boutte a platform to grow.
Overall, Hollins is willing to build, and it's clear he's willing to take on any organizational role given. The front office has some serious work left to do to make the Patriots as competitive as they were in years past, but this was one of the better signings we've seen throughout the free agency hurdles. This was a great signing for a team that is in dire need of leadership, and Hollins brings versatility, a winning mentality, and a willingness to do the grunt work to the franchise which makes him a valuable piece in the team's rebuilding efforts.
As the Patriots continue to shape up their roster for the journey that lies ahead, Hollins' impact likely won't be measured by his stats, but rather the intangible qualities he brings to a team looking to regain its championship caliber identity.
How will this move pan out? Only time will tell...
Thanks for reading!
Until next time,
JP
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