Why Las Vegas Raiders must re-sign Mack Hollins next offseason
Hollins isn’t a star, but he’s become a reliable role player. In multiple games, he’s complemented wideout Davante Adams on the perimeter, recording at least five receptions in a handful of contests. The 29-year-old does the “dirty work” with quality blocks on runs plays and contributes a bit on special teams as well. He’s the quintessential glue guy, who has value on any NFL roster.
In every game that Adams finished with fewer than 71 receiving yards, Hollins had a decent showing, registering at least 64 receiving yards or scoring a touchdown, which happened in Weeks 2,3,8, and 15. Hollins either matched Waller’s numbers or outperformed him in three of those contests.
This past offseason, the Las Vegas Raiders signed Waller to a three-year, $51 million extension, but he’s missed 14 games since 2021. At 30 years old, the tight end may continue to battle the injury bug into his thirties, so Vegas may want to keep a big-bodied insurance policy at the wide receiver position.
Investing in a versatile insurance policy
Renfrow can provide numbers appropriate for the second-best receiver on a roster, but he’s had minimal impact in an injury-riddled 2022 campaign. Ziegler shouldn’t write him off, though the 27-year-old hasn’t found his groove under head coach Josh McDaniels. Hauling in just 22 passes for 206 yards.
Perhaps Renfrow needs more time to bounce back from his oblique injury. Regardless, why not keep Hollins, who can also move the chains, on the outside opposite of Adams?
In 2022, Hollins has 51 catches for 628 yards and four touchdowns—more than half of his receptions have resulted in first-down conversions. One point of criticism, he must cut down on his penalties (six this season).
Hollins has had more opportunities to contribute due to the absence of Waller and Renfrow, but the Las Vegas Raiders have no idea if the former will stay healthy for a full season going forward or if the latter plays up to his new contract.
Based on what we’ve seen from Renfrow, he deserves the benefit of the doubt. But with him as primarily a slot receiver, Hollins can still make steady contributions on the outside.
