Tyrann Mathieu jerseys have been ordered, but fans might be waiting a bit longer before they arrive on the doorstep.
That's because the NFL doesn't yet know which number to throw on it, because the new Saints safety hasn't officially decided yet, according to a recent Instagram Live video. He's considering the No. 5 to represent the 5th Ward of New Orleans.
"My grandmother lived in the 5th Ward. Orleans Avenue," Mathieu tweeted. "I've been [repping] the 5 for 10 years."
The New Orleans native and St. Aug alum has worn No. 32 in the NFL, with the two digits adding up to No. 5. He's worn No. 32 at OTAs and camp, but that could change. Mathieu wore No. 7 at LSU, but said earlier this offseason that he didn't think that'd be his number in part because it's meaningful to Taysom Hill, who wears it in honor of his late brother.
The problem for Mathieu's change to No. 5 is logistics. It was a number that only became available for the safety position to wear in 2021, with linebacker Kwon Alexander donning it a year ago. Alexander is no longer on the roster, but it was picked up by backup quarterback Andy Dalton.
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The veteran quarterback likely isn't attached to the number itself, but a simple swap is complicated by a few factors. While jersey number rules have been relaxed, quarterbacks are still only allowed to wear Nos. 1-19. The only of those numbers that remain available are No. 8 and No. 9. Archie Manning's number has long since been off-limits, and the same appears true for Drew Brees' number.
So how could the No. 5 happen? It's likely just a waiting game. Two numbers that will likely come available by the start of the season are 15 and 19, currently being worn by second-string kicker John Parker Romo and second-string kicker Dan Whelan, both players unlikely to make the final roster barring issues befalling the players ahead of them in Wil Lutz and Blake Gillikin. One way or another, a switch from 5 will either require something creative or a waiting game.
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If Mathieu chooses to wait it out, fans will also have to wait out their jersey arrivals. Another popular jersey will be that of Jarvis Landry. He's still not listed with an official number on the Saints roster, but he's worn No. 80 throughout OTAs and minicamp and hasn't indicated he'll be changing.
The Saints are back on the field for the start of minicamp in late July.