5 Panthers players who could change jersey numbers in 2022
By Dean Jones
Some Carolina Panthers players could be about to change jersey numbers in 2022 after a new ruling was approved by NFL owners.
Some members of the Carolina Panthers might be set for a new look thanks to a recent rule that received approval from NFL owners this week. According to multiple sources, a proposal submitted by the Kansas City Chiefs to adjust restrictions relating to jersey numbers will now come into effect, although it’s unlikely to actually occur before the 2022 campaign due to licensing issues.
This bears more significance for any player wanting to wear single-digits, with many now undoubtedly considering moving back to their college numbers after being forced to go an alternative way initially once they got to the next level. Fans who’ve bought their original jerseys won’t be too thrilled by this, but this is all part of the ever-changing world of the NFL.
It will be weird to see those in playmaking positions with single-digit numbers in the NFL. These have been reserved for quarterbacks, kickers, and punters more often than not. But it will be interesting to see whether many opt to revert back after a good portion of their professional careers.
With this in mind, let’s take a look at five Panthers players who might consider switching jersey numbers when the opportunity comes.
Player No. 1
Donte Jackson – Carolina Panthers CB
Donte Jackson gained a big reputation for himself at LSU before he was selected by the Panthers in the second round of the 2018 NFL Draft. The speedy cornerback has grown in stature with every passing year in the pros and looked like a potential shutdown player at the position last season when he finally recovering from a long-standing toe injury that plagued him right up to Carolina’s Week 13 bye.
Jackson wore No. 1 during his time with the Tigers, which might be a no-go for the player considering who wore it for almost a decade. Cam Newton is still hugely popular with the team’s fanbase after his release last year that was not well handled, to put it mildly. So it is going to take a brave individual to put that jersey number on next considering the impact he had on the franchise.
This is a big year for Jackson as he looks to do enough in pursuit of a big-money deal. However, reverting back to his old college number once worn by an NFL MVP would pile on some unnecessary pressure no matter how tempting it might be.