The expanded rule will allow running backs, tight ends, fullbacks and wide
receivers to wear any number between 1-49, as well as 80-89. Defensive
backs will also be eligible to wear 1-49, while linebackers are now
eligible to wear 1-59 in addition to 90-99. Things stay mostly the same
for offensive linemen, who can wear 50-79, and defensive linemen, who
can wear 50-79 and 90-99. Quarterbacks and specialists also remain at
1-19.
This could obviously have big ramifications for the Cowboys. Since the proposal was first suggested, several Cowboy players
have mentioned their desire to switch into a new number under a new rule
system. Jaylon Smith famously wore No. 9 during his college career at
Notre Dame, and expressed his desire to switch back if rules allowed for
it. The same was said by Ezekiel Elliott, who wore No. 15 during his
time at Ohio State.
It's not that simple, though. NFL rules stipulate that, if a player wants to change his number for the upcoming
season, he'd be responsible for buying out the existing inventory of his
existing jersey in stores. Obviously, that could get quite expensive
for a popular player like Smith or Elliott.If a player wants to give
notice now for a number change in 2022, though, there would be no
charge.
It will be interesting to see who, if anyone, on the Cowboys' roster takes advantage of the new rule.
