You can change the parameters all day to try to prove yourself right, but it's for nought. NE has a long history under Bellychickens of letting go good players in their prime instead of paying them.
Hogan had 35 catches last year and 34 the year before as the #2 WR/#3 option. He was their deep threat and those numbers are average for a deep threat.
Players way above average that the Pats have let go in the last few years: Seymour, Chandler Jones, Asante Samuel, Trey Flowers, Nate Solder, Brandin Cooks, Dion Lewis, Logan Ryan, Jabaal Sheard, Wes Welker, Jerod Mayo
All quality players. It's OK to just admit you didn't realize how many good players they've let walk.