The Patriots made the right decision by signing free agent wide receiver Mack Hollins.
Since arriving in New England, Hollins has been a bright spot this offseason and a great addition for the team. He’s worked with some of the younger receivers on and off the field and the gravity he has to him also shows on and off the field.
From the way he carries himself and his beliefs, to his diet and wardrobe choices, Hollins is a different breed and the energy he possesses is unmatched.
During joint practice with the Minnesota Vikings this summer, Hollins caught a 50-yard touchdown pass from Drake Maye and then proceeded to kick the ball into the stands because he felt like the energy was low from his team.
“Called a play, was able to get past the coverage, Drake found me. I didn’t like the energy, so I decided to kick the ball in the end zone. I saved up a couple of dollars to lay the fine, and I know it’s not a flag against the team, so it doesn’t heat the team, it just hurts my pockets, but maybe it’ll give us a little energy boost.”
Hollins is the tallest wide receiver on the roster and it has the eye of Maye, who he targeted first in both of the preseason games that he played. He played in a Josh McDaniels offense during 2022 when he was on the Las Vegas Raiders and McDaniels was the head coach.
As a veteran that has experience playing in this offense, Hollins shares his knowledge and studies with undrafted rookie wide receiver Efton Chism III, who made the 53-man roster. This all started when Chism gave Hollins a ride back home after practice this summer.
Efton Chism and Mack Hollins study film together every night.
— Ian Steele (@RealianSteele6) July 31, 2025
It started after the veteran asked a rookie for a ride home.
"We both kind of stayed late. He asked for a ride home... From there on it's kind of like, 'yup.' Every time we get home."@ABC6 #NEPats #PatsCamp pic.twitter.com/SOWInkN3Nf
Hollins also gave some advice to former teammate Javon Baker ahead of the roster deadline. Although Baker was on the roster bubble, he actually made the 53-man roster, but was then released the next day and has since been added to the Philadelphia Eagles practice squad.
#Patriots veteran WR Mack Hollins on his advice to Javon Baker:
— Justin Trombino (@Trombino20) August 24, 2025
“Telling Javon it doesn’t matter how you stay on the bus, it just matters that you’re on the bus. Then you get opportunities if somebody were to get hurt or miss a game and then you get to play offense like you… pic.twitter.com/vxUgZFU7Zi
In practice this week, Hollins caught a pass and then ran through head coach Mike Vrabel, bringing him to the ground and having some fun at practice.
Mike Vrabel got knocked over by Mack Hollins during WR drills🤣
— Patriots on CLNS (@PatriotsCLNS) August 25, 2025
Vrabel continues to be very hands-on when it comes to his coaching style
-@CLNSMedia @mackhollins #Patriots pic.twitter.com/c9ZFZduJu8
The Patriots signed Hollins to a two-year contract worth $8,400,000 with $3,500,000 guaranteed and includes incentives for reception totals of 30,40, or 50 this season.
Hollins is a culture builder. He's the type of player that Vrabel wants to have on the team. He's a team first player that adds value on and off the field. The addition of Hollins shouldn’t be overlooked.