Waiting on a number before getting a JuJu Smith-Schuster Patriots jersey? Good news, no need to wait any more.

Smith Schuster, who was the Patriots’ biggest signing at the start of NFL free agency last month, wore No. 9 last season with Kansas City (as well as in college at USC). That number is of course very taken in New England by pass rusher Matthew Judon. That left Smith-Schuster needing a new number to go with his new address.

• Appearing on Zolak & Bertrand last month, Smith-Schuster suggested he may go back to No. 19 – his number for his first four NFL seasons in Pittsburgh. Back then, the NFL didn’t let receivers wear single digit numbers. According to the roster on the Patriots’ team website, No. 19 is available.

  Instead though, it looks like Smith-Schuster is sticking with the single-digit look. Earlier this week, Smith-Schuster shared a photoshop of himself in a No. 7 Patriots jersey with the caption “coming soon.”

• DRIP: It appears like JuJu Smith-Schuster will be wearing Number 7 for the New England #Patriots this season, via his IG.
  
  🔥🔥🔥@TeamJuJu pic.twitter.com/aSfkerAmaH

  — MLFootball (@_MLFootball) April 10, 2023

• While the official team website doesn’t list Smith-Schuster with a number yet (although No. 7 does appear to be available), the team store has already started selling No. 7 Smith-Schuster jerseys. Is he the only free agent whose jersey appears in the team store.

  Last year, No. 7 was worn by punter Jake Bailey, who was released this offseason. Bailey had held the number since 2019, prior to him other notable wearers include Jacoby Brissett (2016), Michael Bishop (2000), and Charlie Gogolak (19780-1972).

  In one other big of jersey number news regarding the Patriots’ free agents, returning tight end Scotty Washington shared on Instagram a few weeks ago he’s changed his number from No. 88 to No. 17. That would open up No. 88 for new signing Mike Gesicki, who wore that number for his first five NFL seasons in Miami.

• Alex Barth is a writer and digital producer for 985TheSportsHub.com. Any opinions expressed do not necessarily reflect those of 98.5 The Sports Hub, Beasley Media Group, or any subsidiaries. Thoughts? Comments? Questions? Looking for a podcast guest? Let him know on Twitter @RealAlexBarth or via email at [email protected].

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