16 days till Patriots season opener: Every player to wear No. 16 for New England

Mike Masala

16 days till Patriots season opener: Every player to wear No. 16 for New England image

The New England Patriots will open their 2024 campaign against the Cincinnati Bengals at Paycor Stadium on Sunday, September 8 at 1:00 p.m. ET, which is now 16 days away.

Until the opening kickoff of the season for the Patriots, we'll be counting down each day by looking back at those who have worn each specific jersey number.

Since 1960, six players have worn No. 16 in New England, and with 16 days until their first game of the year, here's a look at everyone who's worn the number for the team:

LB Sione Takitaki: Present

  • Signed with New England this offseason
  • Has spent training camp and the preseason on PUP
  • Also played for the Cleveland Browns

QB/WR Malik Cunningham: 2023

  • Appeared in one game for New England in one season
  • Also played for the Baltimore Ravens

WR Jakobi Meyers: 2019-22

  • Appeared in 60 games for New England over four seasons, catching 235 passes for 2,758 yards and eight touchdown and completed four passes for 88 yards and two touchdowns
  • Also played for the Las Vegas Raiders

WR Kamar Aiken: 2012

  • Appeared in one games for New England in one season
  • Also played for the Baltimore Ravens, Buffalo Bills, Indianapolis Colts and Philadelphia Eagles

QB Matt Cassel: 2005-08

  • Appeared in 30 games for New England over four seasons, completing 62.9% of his passes for 3,946 yards, 23 touchdowns and 13 interceptions
  • Also played for the Kansas City Chiefs (made a Pro Bowl), Minnesota Vikings, Tennessee Titans, Buffalo Bills, Dallas Cowboys and Detroit Lions

QB Scott Zolak: 1992-98

  • Appeared in 54 games for New England over seven seasons, completing 50.8% of his passes for 1,314 yards, eight touchdowns and seven interceptions
  • Currently serving as the Patriots color commentator on the radio broadcast
  • Also played for the Miami Dolphins

QB Jim Plunkett: 1971-75

  • Appeared in 61 games for New England over five seasons, completing 48.5% of his passes for 9,932 yards, 62 touchdowns and 87 interceptions
  • Also played for the Oakland/Los Angeles Raiders (won two Super Bowls) and San Francisco 49ers

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Mike Masala

Mike Masala Photo

Mike Masala previously served as the Managing Editor of USA TODAY's Dolphins Wire as well as a contributing writer at Patriots Wire. A lifelong New England resident, he is the self-proclaimed captain and lone member of the Laurence Maroney Fan Club. Follow on Twitter/X: @Mike_Masala