The New England Patriots are shaking things up this offseason, and it's not just about roster moves—there's a whole new look to the numbers on the field. As first reported by Mike Reiss of ESPN, the team officially updated several jersey numbers on Monday, with one surprising reversal stealing the spotlight.
Second-year wide receiver Kyle Williams had initially planned to switch from his rookie number 18 to the more traditional wideout digits of 8, which previously belonged to Stefon Diggs. But after some offseason soul-searching, Williams has decided to stick with 18—the number he wore while hauling in 12 passes for 223 yards and three touchdowns last season. It's a move that shows loyalty to the jersey that helped him make his mark in Foxborough.
That wasn't the only change on the defensive side. Defensive tackle Eric Gregory, who wore No. 55 last season, has now shifted to 95, opening up a familiar number for a new face. Stepping into the 55 jersey is starting center Jared Wilson, who ditched his previous 58 to return to the number he wore during his standout college career at Georgia. For a player looking to build chemistry with quarterback Drake Maye, this change feels like coming home.
The Patriots also added some fresh talent on Monday, signing rookie free agents Peter Makuma and Xavier Holmes. During their tryouts at rookie minicamp, they sported temporary numbers 1 and 51, respectively. Now that they're officially on the roster, each has been assigned a "real" number—including Wilson's former No. 58 for Holmes. Makuma's new number, however, comes with a twist: he'll share it with second-year running back Lan Larison, a rare dual-wear situation that adds some intrigue to the locker room.
With the team currently in Phase 2 of their offseason workout program, these jersey updates are more than just cosmetic—they signal a fresh identity for a squad looking to build on last year's momentum. Whether you're a fan of the classic digits or the new looks, one thing's for sure: the Patriots are ready to make a statement on and off the field this season.