Despite the inconspicuous blanks in receiver position, the Patriots weren't the first to jump into the playmaker's premier pool this offseason.
NFL insider Tom E. Curran as New England free agency attacks in a new column for NBC Sports Boston Explained how the team looked for players After the Putrid 3-14 campaign, he was the first year coach of freshman Mike Vrabel's rebuild and felt “they would fit into the 'Culture'.” And that's why famous wideouts like DK Metcalf and Davante Adams remained on the board.
“The Patriots were extremely wary of the negative impacts that demanding veteran wideouts could have. [second-year quarterback Drake] Curran wrote. “As a result, they weren't in the game of talented guys like DK Metcalf or Davante Adams.”
Enter Mac Hollins, the Patriot signed from the rival bill in a two-year contract.
“He's quirky, but smart, and can have a positive impact on the young room on thin ice after a disastrous performance in 2024,” writes Curran.
In his only season at Buffalo, the 31-year-old Hollins scored a career-high five touchdowns.
If the Colorado hybrid star is available in fourth place in next month's draft, Dual-Tator Travis Hunter could be an immediate answer at receiver position, Curran also said.
When the Patriots reconsidered the offense with a familiar face, Josh McDaniels was rehired for his third stint in January as the team's offensive coordinator.
A few days after he called for trade from Seattle, where he spent the first six seasons of his NFL career, the 27-year-old Metcalf was shipped to Pittsburgh for a new five-year, $150 million deal.
The move follows reports that Metcalf was focusing on warm weather cities.
He posted 992 yards and five touchdowns last season.
Meanwhile, the Rams presented quarterback Matthew Stafford with a shiny new toy from six-time Pro Bowler Adams.
Adams had 854 yards and seven touchdowns in 11 games against Gang Green.
The Patriots want to see how Maye jumps even further in their second year.
The first round pick in 2024 completed 66.6% of passes in 13 games and threw 15 touchdowns against 10 interceptions. He also rushed for two scores.
Former Patriot linebacker Vlavell returned to New England in January after Jerrod Mayo fired at the end of the regular season.
