The New England Patriots had an incredible 2025 season. The team reached the Super Bowl, where they ultimately lost to the Seattle Seahawks. There were several players who made an impact for the Patriots in 2025, and one veteran was recently rewarded for his efforts in a classy gesture by the team.
Mack Hollins Rewarded by Patriots Despite Narrowly Missing Incentive
Mack Hollins was one of several new receivers the Patriots added last offseason. The veteran spent the 2024 season with the rival Buffalo Bills and joined the Patriots on a two-year pact after catching five touchdown passes last season.
There was an incentive in Hollins’ contract that stated the receiver would earn a $400,000 bonus if he reached 50 catches in the regular season. Unfortunately, Hollins missed the final two games of the season with an injury, and as a result, ended four catches shy of the incentive.
The Patriots are reportedly paying Hollins the bonus regardless. The payment will be a signing bonus for the 2027 season. NFL insider, Ari Meirov, reported, “#Patriots WR Mack Hollins, who missed the final 2 regular-season games with an injury, finished 4 catches short of a $400,000 incentive last season. The #Patriots have decided to give it to him anyway in the form of a $400,000 signing bonus for the 2027 season. Classy gesture.”
#Patriots WR Mack Hollins, who missed the final 2 regular-season games with an injury, finished 4 catches short of a $400,000 incentive last season.
The #Patriots have decided to give it to him anyway in the form of a $400,000 signing bonus for the 2027 season. Classy gesture. pic.twitter.com/vp5KSshTuf
— Ari Meirov (@MySportsUpdate) February 20, 2026
The Patriots had no obligation to pay that bonus, but doing so shows how much Hollins means to the organization. In his first season with the team, Hollins took on a veteran leadership role and helped mentor the young receivers. Hollins ended with 46 catches for 550 yards and two touchdowns.
Hollins has been a journeyman in his career, but it seems like he may have finally found a home in the Patriots. The veteran is under contract for the 2026 season and will carry a cap hit of $5.15 million.
The Patriots had one of the more miraculous turnarounds in recent NFL history in 2025. The team won just four games in 2024 but won 14 in 2025 in Mike Vrabel’s first year as the head coach.
Drake Maye’s improvement played a large role in the team’s success. PFSN’s QB Impact ranking gave Maye an elite 91.1 grade, which ranked second out of 48 qualified passers. Maye threw for 4,394 yards with 31 touchdowns and eight interceptions.
However, getting back to the Super Bowl will be no easy test. The Patriots will have to retool the roster this offseason if they want to fend off the Buffalo Bills and other AFC contenders.
