Chicago Bears: 3 players most likely to switch to single digits

The NFL, for the longest time, has had strict rules regarding jersey numbers. Single digits were reserved for quarterbacks and kickers/punters only. It had been a rather boring restriction, but it’s a rule that will no longer be enforced. As the 2021 season approaches, we have to wonder which Chicago Bears players might make the switch. Could we see Roquan Smith or Eddie Jackson in a single-digit uniform? Let’s take a look at the three players most likely to make the switch.

The proposal was submitted by the Kansas City Chiefs. It will allow certain skill position players (RB, TE, WR, LB, and DB) to wear a single-digit jersey number. This proposal was motivated a bit by teams lacking numbers for skill positions due to the number of retired numbers for certain franchises.

Not everyone is excited by the new rule. Apparently, Tom Brady finds the new rule to be dumb and for some strange reason believes it will lead to a lot of bad football. He made comments about how he believes players will struggle to identify who to block and more. If you ask me, Tom Brady sounds like an old man yelling at kids to get off his lawn.

Here’s a look at what the official number changes are:

Quarterbacks, Punters, and Kickers: 1–19
Running backs: 1–49, 80–89
Defensive backs: 1–49
Linebackers: 1–59, 90–99
Offensive lineman: 50–79
Defensive lineman: 50–79, 90–99

For the Chicago Bears, it allows an opportunity for some of their players to see a number switch. Some guys may resort back to their college numbers, while others may just take advantage of the freedom to be able to select a single-digit jersey number.

A reminder of which numbers are retired by the Chicago Bears:

3 – Bronko Nagurski
5 – George McAfee
7 – George Halas
28 – Willie Galimore
34 – Walter Payton
40 – Gale Sayers
41 – Brian Piccolo
42 – Sid Luckman
51 – Dick Butkus
56 – Bill Hewitt
61 – Bill George
66 – Clyde “Bulldog” Turner
77 – Harold “Red” Grange

Here are a few candidates for a number change for the Chicago Bears

Allen Robinson, WR – Current Number: 12

Allen Robinson wore No. 8 during his collegiate career but has made it clear via Twitter what number he wants. For the number one receiver, he deserves the number one jersey number. AR1 has a real nice ring to it.

Roquan Smith, ILB – Current Number: 58

Roquan Smith also wore No. 8 during his college career while at Georgia, and it would be awesome to see the anchor of this defense rep that number again. He tied the number eight in as best he could with 58, so it is likely he’ll want to make the switch to just the No. 8. Smith has earned the right to rock his collegiate number again, and it would be awesome seeing a linebacker for the Chicago Bears run around with a single digit.

Eddie Jackson, S – Current Number: 39

Eddie Jackson rocked the No. 4 on his chest when he flew around at Alabama. It would be great to see him throw the number back on; maybe that’s what he needs to return to his ball-hawking, 2018 All-Pro glory.

It would be cool to also see fellow receiver Darnell Mooney wear No. 3, which is what he wore at Tulane. Unfortunately, that number is retired, and for good reason. Bronco Nagurski wore that number while dominating during his time with the Chicago Bears.