The New England Patriots have collected a half dozen former Buffalo Bills players.
Six players currently in the Patriots organization previously spent time with the Bills, including several who played significant roles for Buffalo in recent seasons.
Wide receiver Mack Hollins, fullback Reggie Gilliam, defensive tackle DaQuan Jones and punter Reggie Gilliam are all on the Patriots' active roster.
Guard Greg Van Roten also played for Buffalo in 2022, while rookie offensive lineman Da'Metrius Weatherspoon became the latest addition when the Patriots signed him to their practice squad Wednesday.
The Patriots visit the Bills at 1 p.m. Sunday at new Highmark Stadium.
Hollins spent only one season with Buffalo, but became a fan favorite and one Josh Allen's
most trusted complementary targets in 2024. He played all 17 games and led the Bills with five receiving touchdowns before signing with New England in 2025.
Hollins leads New England with 12 receptions for 156 yards through three games.
Gilliam initially signed with Buffalo as an undrafted free agent in 2020 and spent six seasons with the team, appearing in 94 games before signing a three-year free agent contract with New England in March. Gilliam has played 41 offensive snaps and 37 special teams snaps for the Patriots this season.
Jones is the most recent former Bills starter to make the move. The veteran defensive tackle spent four seasons with Buffalo from 2022-25, recording 99 tackles and 10 sacks in 51 games in Buffalo, before New England signed him Sept. 12. Jones has played 75 defensive snaps and 12 on special teams in his first three games with the Patriots and has recorded two tackles.
Wishnowsky spent most of last season as Buffalo's punter before losing the job to rookie Tommy Doman Jr. in training camp. Buffalo released Wishnowsky during final cuts in August. He didn't stay unemployed long. New England signed Wishnowsky to its practice squad Aug. 31 and elevated him for the first two games before signing him to the 53-man roster Sept. 22. He has punted 10 times for 468 yards this season.
Van Roten had a much shorter stay in Buffalo. He appeared in 16 games and made four starts for the Bills in 2022. New England signed him in August, and he started at right guard after Mike Onwenu landed on injured reserve. Van Roten suffered a thigh injury in Week 3 and has been placed on injured reserve.
Weatherspoon, a former Syracuse University offensive lineman, signed with the Bills as an undrafted free agent in May. He played during the preseason but was released during final roster cuts. Weatherspoon signed to the Patriots' practice squad on Sept. 30.
This article originally appeared on Rochester Democrat and Chronicle: Patriots have become a landing spot for former Bills. 6 are back in Buffalo
