Time will tell if the New England Patriots got it right by signing Antonio Brown. However, the team did the right thing by not giving the controversial wide receiver No. 84.
Brown has worn that number for his entire pro career. However, New England elder statesman Ben Watson has the jersey this season.
After Brown appeared at practice wearing No. 1 the first day, he then turned up in No. 17 for the following workouts.
The Patriots left his jersey number blank on their roster until Sunday morning when the No. 17 popped up in his slot. He is active against the Miami Dolphins.
Giving Brown a different number than 84 was the correct move by the Patriots. Watson deserves to be shown the respect he has earned over the tight end’s career.
