Kyle Williams sticking with 18, and more Patriots jersey number updates

TL;DR

Kyle Williams will retain his jersey number 18 for the New England Patriots after initially planning to switch to number 8. The team also announced several other jersey number updates for new and returning players.

Key points

Kyle Williams will keep jersey number 18.
Eric Gregory has switched from number 55 to 95.
Jared Wilson returns to jersey number 55 from 58.
Peter Makuma and Xavier Holmes signed as rookie free agents.
The Patriots are in Phase 2 of offseason workouts.

Kyle WilliamsStefon DiggsPeter MakumaJared Wilson

BALTIMORE, MARYLAND - DECEMBER 21: Kyle Williams #18 of the New England Patriots runs during an NFL football game against the Baltimore Ravens at M&T Bank Stadium on December 21, 2025 in Baltimore, Maryland. (Photo by Michael Owens/Getty Images) | Getty Images The New England Patriots made some changes to their roster on Monday. As first reported by Mike Reiss of ESPN, they also made some updates to their jersey numbers — including Kyle Williams reversing a previous decision. The second-year wide receiver moving from his rookie number 18 to 8 was announced earlier during offseason workouts. However, Williams has had a change of heart: instead of moving to wide receiver Stefon Diggs’ old number, which now remains unoccupied, he will stick with the digits that saw him catch 12 passes for 223 yards and a trio of touchdowns in 2025. That was one of five jersey number updates on Monday. **18:** WR Kyle Williams **34b:** S Peter Makuma **55:** OL Jared Wilson **58:** ED Xavier Holmes **95:** DT Eric Gregory The No. 55 jersey also saw some change. Defensive tackle Eric Gregory had worn it last season, but has now moved to 95. Starting center Jared Wilson, meanwhile, ditched his previous number, 58, to return to the one he wore during his college career at Georgia, 55. The Patriots also signed both Peter Makuma and Xavier Holmes as rookie free agents on Monday. They wore different jersey numbers during their tryouts at rookie minicamp over the weekend — 1 and 51, respectively — but were since given “real” numbers, including Wilson’s former No. 58. Makuma’s, on the other hand, comes with a caveat: it is also worn by second-year running back Larison. The Patriots are currently in Phase 2 of their offseason workout program.

Q&A

Why did Kyle Williams decide to keep jersey number 18?

Kyle Williams changed his mind about switching to jersey number 8 and opted to keep the number he wore during his rookie season.

What are the new jersey numbers for the New England Patriots players?

The jersey number updates include Kyle Williams (18), Peter Makuma (34b), Jared Wilson (55), Xavier Holmes (58), and Eric Gregory (95).

Who are the new players signed by the Patriots and their jersey numbers?

The Patriots signed Peter Makuma and Xavier Holmes, with Makuma wearing number 34b and Holmes wearing number 58.