Buffalo Bills Re-Sign Fan-Favorite Mack Hollins to Bolster Receiver Corps

Buffalo, NY – March 17, 2025

In a surprising twist, the Buffalo Bills have brought back wide receiver Mack Hollins, signing the versatile veteran to a 1-year, $2.8 million deal just days after he inked a contract with the New England Patriots. The move, announced Monday, sees Hollins return to Orchard Park to reclaim his role as a depth piece and special teams ace, delighting Bills Mafia.

Hollins, 31, initially left Buffalo in free agency, signing a 2-year, $8.4 million deal with the Patriots on March 13. But after a swift change of heart—reportedly spurred by a personal call from Josh Allen—the 6’4 receiver negotiated his release to rejoin the Bills. “Mack’s a guy we couldn’t let slip away,” GM Brandon Beane said. “His energy, toughness, and versatility are huge for us.”

The reunion fills a gap left by Hollins’ departure. In 2024, he played all 17 games for Buffalo, hauling in 18 catches for 247 yards and 3 touchdowns while shining on special teams with his blocking and hustle. Though not a headline-grabber like Stefon Diggs (traded last year), Hollins became a locker room glue guy, earning fan love with his gritty play and quirky personality—famously biking to practice in the snow.

Bills Mafia erupted on X. “Mack’s back? That’s my dude!” one fan tweeted, referencing his cult status. Another wrote, “$2.8M for Hollins is a steal—Patriots can’t have him!” His return shores up a receiver room that’s lost Diggs and faces uncertainty with Amari Cooper’s free agency, pairing him with young guns Keon Coleman and Khalil Shakir.

The 1-year, $2.8 million contract, with $1 million guaranteed, fits snugly into Buffalo’s $9.1 million cap space, a budget-friendly move as they eye bigger signings like Tyreek Hill. It’s a step down from his Patriots deal but reflects Hollins’ desire to stay with a contender—and a QB he clicked with. “Josh is my guy,” Hollins said in 2024. “I’d run through a wall for him.”

Hollins’ 2024 stats don’t scream superstar, but his impact transcends the box score. His 13.7 yards-per-catch average hints at big-play potential, and his special teams tenacity (over 300 snaps) adds value Beane couldn’t replace elsewhere. While not a Diggs-level target, he’s a perfect complementary piece for a Bills offense aiming to balance Allen’s heroics.

For a team that’s flirted with Super Bowl glory, Hollins’ return is a small but savvy win. Whether he’s snagging a key third-down pass or flattening a gunner, Bills fans know one thing: Mack’s back, and the Mafia’s ready to roll with him.