It seems former New England Patriots wide receiver and current free agent Chris Hogan has some fans within the organization. The Patriots’ beloved twins and members of the secondary Devin and Jason McCourty made it clear they would love for the organization to bring Hogan back this offseason.
The McCourty twins have a podcast called Double Coverage, and on their most recent show, Devin said:
We get him back there, we got 7-11, always open. We’re gonna have a new quarterback, [so] let’s bring an old target back. That’s what we do in New England.
- Follow the Heavy on Patriots Facebook page for the latest breaking news, rumors, and content!
Showing further support for a Hogan return, Devin added:
You know, LeGarrette [Blount] came back, next thing you know, 18 touchdowns. Like that’s what happens in New England. Deion Branch came back in 2010, touchdowns everywhere.
Chris Hogan’s Stats and Experience
The 32-year-old Hogan played for the Carolina Panthers in 2019. He appeared in seven games, starting one of them. He caught eight passes for just 67 yards. It was his least productive season since his rookie campaign with the Buffalo Bills in 2012 when he played primarily on special teams.
The McCourty twins are hoping to see the Patriots bring Hogan back in hopes of him recapturing the magic he helped create from 2016-18. By far, Hogan’s best seasons have come in a Patriots’ uniform.
He was a part of two Super Bowl champion teams in three years, and he averaged 36 receptions, 550 yards receiving and four touchdowns during his time with the Patriots. While those aren’t Pro-Bowl numbers, Hogan proved himself to be a key contributor and a reliable weapon for Tom Brady.
Patriots Have a Void at Wide Receiver
With the departure of Philip Dorsett, the Patriots would seemingly have a void of proven weapons at receiver. Many would argue Dorsett wasn’t proven after a hit-and-miss tenure with the Patriots.
New England did sign speedster and return specialist Damiere Byrd, but he doesn’t have Hogan’s experience or familiarity with offensive coordinator Josh McDaniels’ offense.
Second-year-pro N’Keal Harry has excellent physical tools and work ethic, but his rookie season was a bit disappointing. If the younger players falter, and a veteran like Julian Edelman battles injuries–as he did in 2019–someone like Hogan could be a valuable addition to the offense.
What Would Hogan Cost?
Because Hogan has never had a huge statistical season, and he’s coming off a year with modest numbers and limited availability, he could be a bargain one-year signing for the team.
Because the two sides are familiar, if there is a mutual interest, it’s possible something could come together similarly to the Brian Hoyer-Patriots reunion. However, beyond the McCourty twins’ comments, there is no reason to believe the Patriots are interested.
Still, stay tuned, because things could change as we move closer to what football fans hope is the beginning of the 2020 season in the fall.
Also Read:
Patriots 2020 Draft: There Are Likely 5 QBs on Team’s Radar, Per Insider
Versatile Defensive Lineman Pegged for Patriots No. 23 Pick, Per Draft Expert
Patriots Draft 2020 Targets: Underrated RB/WR Could Replace James White
Patriots Veterans Want Former Teammate Back in 2020