The New England Patriots are nearing roster cuts, with the deadline to trim to 53 players set for 4 p.m. ET on Tuesday. One receiver whose spot looks secure is Mack Hollins, who signed a two-year, $8.4 million contract in free agency and has been solidly in the Patriots’ top wideout group throughout training camp. Alongside Hollins has been a group featuring Stefon Diggs, Demario Douglas, Kayshon Boutte, and Kyle Williams.
Chasing that group is a競 set that includes Javon Baker, Efton Chism III, Kendrick Bourne, and Ja’Lynn Polk. After a strong preseason, Efton Chism III appears to have earned a roster spot, with Baker viewed as the next best chance of making the team.
The Patriots are faced with a simple question: do they carry seven wide receivers on their initial 53-man roster? Hollins acknowledged Baker’s precarious standing heading into cuts and offered some candid advice on Sunday.
“It doesn’t matter how you stay on the bus. It just matters that you’re on the bus,” Hollins said. “There’s only so many spots. So if you find a way to at least get a chance, take it every time.”
If Baker makes the final roster, he’s likely to contribute primarily on special teams early in the season. If injuries strike, though, he could be called upon to contribute on offense and make an impact.
Hollins understands Baker’s predicament, having had to fight for a role on special teams before earning offensive snaps. If Baker follows a similar path, he could eventually become a significant piece of the Patriots’ offense.
Additional value and context:
– This week’s cuts will determine how many receivers New England rolls with to begin the season, with seven WRs still on the table as a possibility.
– Baker’s best path to long-term opportunity likely runs through elite special-teams play and seizing any chance to contribute when called upon.
– Chism’s rise adds versatility and depth to a room that already includes veterans and young playmakers; Bourne remains a veteran presence who can contribute in multiple roles.
– Hollins’ experience as a former special-teams contributor who earned a larger offensive role serves as a template for players like Baker who must prove they can impact the game in more ways than one.
– The outcome will hinge on final evaluation of practice performances, injury status, and how coaches value depth at the receiver position for both the regular-season schedule and potential late-season injuries.
Summary: The Patriots are weighing a deep wide receiver group as roster cuts approach, with Hollins providing veteran leadership and Baker and Chism competing for a valuable roster spot that could hinge on special-teams performance and opportunities due to injuries. If Baker earns a spot, he could begin as a special-teams contributor and push for offensive duties if the chance arises.