Patriots Honor Mack Hollins' Contract Incentive After Lacerated Spleen Cost WR 2 Games

The New England Patriots reportedly honored wide receiver Mack Hollins' $400,000 contract incentive despite coming up just short.

According to NFL Network's Tom Pelissero, the Patriots added a $400,000 signing bonus to Hollins' contract after he fell four catches shy of reaching the incentive during the 2025 season while dealing with a lacerated spleen.

The injury forced him to miss the final two games of the regular season.

The lacerated spleen also resulted in an injured reserve stint for Hollins, which caused him to miss the Patriots' first two playoff contests. He eventually returned for New England's 10-7 win over the Denver Broncos in the AFC Championship Game.

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Patriots quarterback Drake Maye praised Hollins' work ethic when he returned.

"Man, Mack's been awesome," Maye told reporters on Jan. 23 (h/t Matt Legros of Patriots Wire). "It's been awesome having him back. He's a great player for us. Been a great player for us all year. Practices hard. He's one of those guys that brings it every day."

"I know he started off in OTA's and training camp battling a little injury," he added. "But since then, he's been all gas no breaks."

Hollins signed a two-year deal with the Patriots as a free agent in March 2025.

During his 2025 campaign, he caught 46 passes for 550 yards and two touchdowns prior to the injury. Hollins also hauled in six receptions for 129 yards and one score in two playoff games.

Although the 32-year-old initially couldn't reach the contract incentive that required him to reach 50 catches, the Patriots still rewarded him with an admirable gesture on Friday.