Eagles jersey number updates: Riq Woolen, Hollywood Brown, and more

The Philadelphia Eagles recently announced jersey number information for their free agency additions.

There are also multiple returning players who changed their numbers.

Here’s an overview with our signature #JerseyNumberAnalytics to follow.

NEW ACQUISITIONS

WR Hollywood Brown – 0

CB Riq Woolen – 2

WR Elijah Moore – 13

QB Andy Dalton – 14

EDGE Arnold Ebiketie – 17

CB Jonathan Jones – 32

FB Carson Steele – 34

RB Dameon Pierce – 39

EDGE Jose Ramirez – 43

S J.T. Gray – 48

OT John Ojukwu – 67

TE Johnny Mundt – 83

TE Stone Smartt – 87

RETURNING PLAYER CHANGES

RB Tank Bigsby – 8 (used to be 37)

S Marcus Epps – 29 (used to be 39)

NOT LISTED

TE Jaheim Bell

DL Ta’Quon Graham

CB Ambry Thomas

ANALYSIS

As the preeminent authority on all things related to #JerseyNumberAnalytics, here are my incredibly important takes.

Since No. 0 returned to the NFL three years ago, the Eagles haven’t had a player wear that jersey number for more than one season. 2023 D’Andre Swift, 2024 Bryce Huff, 2025 Josh Uche. We’ll see how Brown’s time in Philly goes but there’s a solid chance he’s another one-and-done. Brown originally wore No. 15 on the Baltimore Ravens before switching to his college No. 5, which he also donned with the Kansas City Chiefs. No. 5 obviously isn’t available in Philly but he’ll always love you.
Woolen wearing No. 2 hearkens back to the recently retired Darius Slay wearing that number. He couldn’t keep his No. 27 he wore with the Seattle Seahawks since that’s Quinyon Mitchell’s look. I think it would be cool if all three staring cornerbacks (Q, Cooper DeJean, Woolen) were in double digits but I don’t hate No. 2 on Woolen. He is primed for success.
I don’t like Bigsby changing from double digits to a single digit because I feel like his physical running style warrants a double digits aesthetic. But No. 8 is objectively a better number than No. 37, so, it’s an upgrade. But No. 8 in the Eagles’ font just isn’t great. Ideally Bigsby would’ve gone with a number in the 20s.
Moore isn’t a lock to make the roster, especially if his good friend A.J. Brown remains on the team. But No. 13 is a good get for a player on the bubble. Last worn at wide receiver by the underrated Olamide Zaccheaus. Before him, Travius Fulgham, Nelson Agholor (after he switched out of 17), and Josh Huff.
Andy Dalton has wore No. 14 for his entire career. Makes sense to keep it consistent. Last worn by Sam Howell last year.
Ebiketie wore No. 17 at Penn State and then three of his four years with the Atlanta Falcons. I get him sticking with it but I’m not a huge fan. Then again, I was very low on Josh Sweat’s weird change to No. 19, which ultimately paid off. But I’m betting against Ebiketie being a difference-maker in No. 17.
Marcus Epps originally wore No. 37 with the Eagles in 2019 before upgrading to No. 22. He returned to Philly last year with No. 39, which I didn’t hate for him as a depth safety. Now he’s No. 29, which is more of a starting number. Stock up on Eppsy.
Reed Blankenship’s old number is going to a cornerback for the first time since Rasul Douglas last wore it in 2019. No. 32 is fine for Jones, who figures to be a veteran backup if he makes the team.
Steele is the first Eagles player to wear No. 34 on offense since Trey Sermon. The Eagles have some fullbacks who’ve worn No. 34 in the past, so, it’s fine.
The last time an Eagles player wore No. 39 on offense? Byron Marshall in 2016. Forgot about him. Pierce could look to get his old No. 31 if he makes the roster and Andre’ Sam doesn’t. Don’t think that’s a realistic scenario, though.
Ramirez signed with the Eagles on a future contract. It’s notable that the Eagles gave out Ben VanSumeren’s old No. 43. Players on different sides of the ball can share numbers in the offseason, so, it’s not like it’s impossible for them to bring BVS back with the same number. But this development plus the presence of Steele points to BVS likely not returning, which is a bummer for him after suffering a season-ending injury on literally the first play of the NFL season last year.
No. 48 isn’t a pretty look for Gray but he’s more of a special teamer than a defender anyway, so, it’s fine.
Ojukwu’s No. 67 feels like more of an interior number than a tackle number. He might have to slide inside.
Mundt and Smartt should switch numbers. Mundt in No. 87 would feel right since it’s easy to envision a blocking tight end wearing Brent Celek’s old number. Smartt is more of a pass-catching type.
Not a jersey number note but it’s interesting to see that Brandon Graham is listed as if he’s officially on the team on the team’s roster page. He’s not listed with the other unsigned free agents: Adoree’ Jackson, Ogbo Okoronkwo, and BVS. BG will probably be back but that much has not been announced yet.