With all the hype of the offseason acquisitions at wide receiver, Mack Hollins and the year he put together in 2025 with the New England Patriots have gone a bit overlooked.
But there is no reason to doubt that the 32-year-old Hollins, heading into his ninth NFL season on his fifth team, could again be ready to step up as a key target for Drake Maye in 2026.
Free-agent pickup Romeo Doubs and perennial Pro-Bowler A.J. Brown may grab headlines, Hollins will just grab chain-moving footballs from Maye on third down.
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Here are four reasons to believe Hollins will remain a major factor in the Patriots passing game this fall.
1 – Josh McDaniels
Hollins has played two seasons in McDaniels’ offense – his best two seasons as a pro. In Las Vegas (2022), Hollins set career highs of 57 catches for 690 yards, scoring four touchdowns. In 2025, reunited with Josh, Hollins hauled in 46 passes for 550 yards.
A huge target at 6-foot-4, 220 pounds, Hollins fits this offense perfectly.
2 – A.J. Brown
As receiver DeMario Douglas said during mini-camp of Brown’s impact: “Hopefully everybody double-teams him. Everyone has to watch out for him.”
The ex-Eagle, who cost the team a first-round pick in 2028, is going to attract attention from defenses. That will absolutely lead to one-on-one opportunities for others, including Hollins.
3 – Mike Vrabel
The Patriots coach is as loyal as it gets. From the opening snap last year, Hollins was a team guy, selflessly sacrificing his body to block in the run game. Vrabel acknowledges that kind of “we” attitude. He will get his looks for sure.
4 – Drake Maye
The quarterback found something in Hollins over the second half of the season in 2025. There was a confidence in that combination down the stretch.
Through the first seven games of 2025, Hollins caught 14 passes for 119 yards. Over the next eight, he erupted with 32 catches, good for 431 yards. That connection continued in the playoffs, where Hollins played in the AFC title game vs. Denver and the Super Bowl, catching six balls for 129 yards and a TD.
