The excitement of free agency period and the upcoming NFL Draft also carry the natural turnover of rosters across the league. Many Chicago Bears fans have been buzzing about the acquisitions the team has made via trade and free agency, which is typical this time of year. A little less typical, perhaps, is the enthusiasm with which the national media has spoken about GM Ryan Poles and new Head Coach Ben Johnson’s recent decision-making.
That is to say, there’s a lot to like about the new names in Chicago. New names such as Joe Thuney, Drew Dalman, and Grady Jarrett (to mention a few). Today, however, the Bears took to their social media channels to announce the new numbers that will be worn by the players recently added to the team:
Same Stuff, Different City
WR Olamide Zaccheaus will wear the number 14 that he wore last season with the Washington Commanders. This was last worn by Gerald Everett.
TE Durham Smythe will carry over the number 81 that he’s worn his entire career, previously with the Miami Dolphins. This was last worn by Dante Pettis.
LG Joe Thuney will be wearing the number 62 that he wore while winning Super Bowls for both the New England Patriots and Kansas City Chiefs. This was last worn by Theo Benedet.
All-New Everything
DT Grady Jarrett will revert to the number he wore in college at Clemson, 50, which was famously worn by Mike Singletary in Chicago and last worn by Carl Jones. Jarrett previously wore number 97 with the Atlanta Falcons.
C Drew Dalman will be trying something different when he wears number 52, famously worn by Khalil Mack for the Bears and last worn by Darrell Taylor. Dalman previously wore number 67 with the Atlanta Falcons.
DE Dayo Odeyingbo will wear number 55 this season, most famously worn by Lance Briggs in the Windy City and last worn by Jacob Martin. Odeyingbo previously wore number 54 with the Indianapolis Colts.
RG Jonah Jackson will continue his trend of going back to his Detroit days, as he will wear number 73, the same number he wore as a member of the Detroit Lions (and as an Ohio State Buckeye). This was last worn by Jake Curhan. Jackson previously wore number 72 with the Los Angeles Rams.
Jersey numbers are fun, but you know what else is fun? Draft pick numbers. Is it April 24thyet?