News - Patriots Hold Firm, Retain Versatile WR Mack Hollins Amidst Trade Interest

The New England Patriots have made headlines following their decision to part ways with Kayshon Boutte, which became a point of concern after star receiver A.J. Brown sustained a high-ankle sprain in the season opener. With Boutte gone, the Patriots found themselves short on deep threat options, magnifying the impact of Brown's absence. Despite this, the team has opted not to trade another of their wide receivers, Mack Hollins, even after interest arose from a highly regarded NFL contender. According to NFL insider Albert Breer, appearing on 98.5 The Sports Hub, this team expressed a specific preference for Hollins over Boutte in a potential deal. Breer detailed, “A team called to inquire if the Patriots would consider trading Hollins. This happened about a month ago. I brought up Boutte, and they were like, ‘No, we’d prefer Mack Hollins’. This team is a well-respected contender, and the Patriots were not interested in trading him.” Hollins’s multifaceted contribution to the team, particularly his impact on special teams and ability to fulfill various roles, was highlighted as a key factor in the Patriots' decision to retain him. Coach Mike Vrabel and Breer echoed these sentiments, acknowledging Hollins's potential to significantly benefit the team. With Brown sidelined, Mack Hollins steps into a potentially larger role within the offense, offering versatility beyond his special teams presence. In Week 1, Hollins already received considerable playtime, while other receivers like Romeo Doubs are looking to improve after an underwhelming start. New England's offensive strategy now focuses on receivers like Doubs, Hollins, and DeMario Douglas sharing the bulk of the workload. The Patriots are undoubtedly hoping that Hollins's retained role will lead to increased offensive productivity, compensating for the loss of Boutte. The Patriots are gearing up for their upcoming match against the Steelers, seeking redemption from a disappointing season opener, and banking on Mack Hollins to be a key contributor to their success moving forward.