The Patriots went into free agency with plenty of upgrades to make to their roster and fortunately, they had the funds to do it with a league high cap space. That allowed them to dish out massive contracts to some top name players, but it was almost exclusively on defensive talent.
That meant they had to look elsewhere for the wide receiver help they needed, which led them to sign Stefon Diggs to a three-year deal. He wasn’t the only receiver they signed; however, the signing of Mack Hollins also brought in much unfavorable reaction from the fans.
That feeling toward Hollins hasn’t changed much throughout the summer, as he has spent more time away from the team and practice than actually on the field with them. On top of that, he’s been making more headlines for his decision not to wear shoes than for his limited performances, which doesn’t have Patriots fans all that thrilled, either.
Although he might not be a favorite in their eyes, his new teammates have taken a strong liking to the energy that he brings on and off the field, which counts for a lot more if he can become a solid weapon for Drake Maye to work with while also keeping the locker room close after a disastrous 2024 season.
Mack Hollins is looking more and more like a under-the-radar good signing for the Patriots
Among the top priorities for Mike Vrabel, who came into his head coaching role in New England, was to reestablish a culture that had been lacking for quite some time. It was much needed after rumors of a mutiny dominated headlines last year, which makes Hollins’ already making a substantial impact on his teammates that much more critical.
DeMario Douglas spoke highly of him while speaking to reporters last week, emphasizing the kind of energy that he brings to the receiving corps that will inevitably be a positive change from one season ago.
“Oh man, that brings energy. feel like it’s gonna get in a DB’s head to where they get out of character. But Mack’s gonna keep his composure. Mack is a dawg. I feel like he’s gonna bring that dawg out of the whole (wide receiver) room.”
But that’s not where Hollins’ impact has stopped.
Hunter Henry also raved about his newest teammate, mentioning that his energy makes you have to elevate your game to match him everyday at practice.
“Mack’s great, man. Obviously, everybody can hear him talking out here, brings a juice and a level that’s very consistent, I think, that you got to respect because he brings it every day. And you got to raise your level to that. And so it’s a lot of fun going out there competing with him.
I’m excited to see it on an actual game day too, and be able to bring that out of him.”
That’s the kind of change the offense has needed, and hopefully, it will remain that way throughout the year. The Patriots cannot afford another head coach who loses the locker room and headlines, as they consistently tear apart at the thread that keeps them united, even through a tough season.
It shouldn’t be a problem with Mike Vrabel in control and with players like Hollins helping to form a brotherhood that has been long gone. That’s enough to applaud the decision to sign the controversial player, and it could pay off even more with his on-field production as soon as Week 1.
