What number will Jimmy Graham wear in Seattle? (poll)

The Seattle Seahawks acquired All-Pro tight end Jimmy Graham on Tuesday in a trade that included center Max Unger and draft picks. The biggest question that remains, besides who will snap the ball to quarterback Russell Wilson now, is what number will Graham wear in Seattle?

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Graham has worn number 80 for his entire career in the NFL. As much as he might want that to continue, the Seahawks retired that number in honor of Steve Largent. While Largent made an exception for Jerry Rice, I don’t believe he will do so again. That leaves Graham needing to make a decision.

Of the numbers that are available, 88 makes a ton of sense. Tony Moeaki wore it last season, but he is a free agent. 86 and 87 are both available, but neither a great number for one of the league’s best pass-catchers.

81 is the obvious choice. While many great pass catchers have worn 80 through the years, 81 has a lot of great players as well. The problem is that the number currently belongs to wide receiver Kevin Norwood.

Someone on twitter told me that he wore number 82 back in high school. (I could look it up, but I’m not that committed) Perhaps that number will be what he picks. That number is currently owned by fellow tight end Luke Willson.

The current players are not required to give up their number. Whether or not they do is between them and the incoming star. If Graham wants one of those numbers, chances are it’ll cost him.

It is customary for young players and backups to be given something if they for giving up their number. Sometimes it is cash. Sometimes it is a very expensive steak dinner. Sometimes it is airfare to someone awesome like Hawaii. One common thing is that it is rarely free.

So, what do you think? What number should Jimmy Graham wear next year with the Seahawks?

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