Patriots safety Jabrill Peppers teases return to old jersey number

Jabrill Peppers could be eyeing a return to his old jersey number.

New England Patriots safety Jabrill Peppers might be changing his jersey number for the 2023 season back to No. 5.

Peppers has had success with the number before during his run at the University of Michigan. He wore No. 3 for New England in the 2022 season, but he could be returning to his roots now that backup quarterback Brian Hoyer is gone and his No. 5 jersey number is available.

Peppers is coming off a season that saw him record 60 combined tackles as well as a fumble recovery. He was able to add another versatile body to that safety room, and his impact was felt often. He signed a two-year deal to remain with the Patriots in March.

Peppers could be reuniting with his number in a year where the Patriots are going to need him to help fill the void with Devin McCourty no longer on the roster.

Defense was the backbone of the team last season. We’ll see if that remains the case in 2023.

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