One of the great mysteries of this Patriots offseason has been solved. New wide receiver DeVante Parker will, in fact, wear the No. 11 jersey previously worn by Julian Edelman.
Parker seemed to suggest he would be taking 11 in an Instagram post last month shortly after the Patriots acquired him via trade from Miami. He added that he meant no disrespect to Edelman.
But then when Parker was asked about his number during his first press conference as a Patriot, he said nothing had been decided yet.
Well, it has now. The Patriots revealed their jersey numbers for new players, as well as number changes for veterans, on Monday, and Parker is indeed No. 11. Of course, 11 remains in circulation until or unless it’s retired, which would be years away if it eventually happens.
The same goes for Rob Gronkowski’s 87, which has also been reissued. That will go to new tight end Matt Sokol, who was claimed off waivers from Detroit two weeks ago.
Other notable numbers include Malcolm Butler taking No. 4. He was previously No. 21 in New England, but Adrian Phillips currently has 21. Another cornerback, Myles Bryant, has traded in 41 for 27, which was previously worn by J.C. Jackson.
The Patriots’ rookies will wear numbers in the 50s and 60s for the time being, as is customary. None of those are permanent assignments, though, and those who make the team will have the chance to pick something different before the season.
Check out the Patriots’ full roster and jersey numbers here.
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