According to multiple reporters posting online video from the sidelines at Patriots practice on Thursday, it appears that newly-acquired star wide receiver Antonio Brown will wear No. 17 as he begins the New England chapter of his pro football life.
Brown had previously spent his entire NFL career wearing No. 84 – both with the Pittsburgh Steelers and (very) briefly with the Oakland Raiders – but that number was already assigned to suspended Patriots tight end Benjamin Watson. While Brown and Watson conceivably could have worked out some kind of deal or transaction for the number during the offseason, NFL rules forbid players from changing numbers once the regular season begins for competitive reasons.