It might be time for Eagles' fans to get new jerseys.
The NFL has reportedly approved a rule that will allow players at different positions to wear single digits, numbers that were previously only open to quarterback and kickers/punters.
Here is how the new number system will work:
Quarterback, punter, kicker: 1-19
Running back, tight end, wide receiver: 1-49, 80-89
Defensive back: 1-49
Linebacker: 1-59, 90-99
Offensive line: 50-79
Defensive line: 50-79, 90-99
Whether the players on the Eagles will take advantage of it remains to be seen, but if they do, here is how I would distribute each number:
No. 1: Jalen Hurts
This one is already decided as Hurts has switched from No. 2 to No. 1. The No. 2 looked good on Hurts, but the decision to switch to No. 1 as he fights to keep the No. 1 quarterback job was a good one.
No. 2: Greg Ward
Ward is used to playing in a single digit, both from his days at quarterback in college and from the numerous times in training camp he was given a single digit. Going back to No. 2 would bring Ward full circle. This is a great receiver number, and if the Eagles take Jaylen Waddle, he could end up with it. Patrick Surtain wore No. 2 at Alabama, so that is a possibility as well.
No. 3: Jalen Reagor
Reagor should definitely switch out of No. 18. He not only would look better in a single digit, but his rookie season wasn't exactly a success, so switching out would put that in the past. Reagor could go to No. 2 or No. 6, but No. 3 seems perfect for him.
No. 4: Jake Elliot
Jake Elliott should be taking all calls to any player who wants No. 4. This could be a lucrative new rule for him. Maybe he could take No. 11.
No. 5: Donovan McNabb
This number is retired, so cross it off.
No. 6: DeVonta Smith or whoever the punter is
I don't think any cornerback should take No. 6, and receivers like Reagor and Ward seem to be better fits in No. 2 or No. 3. The Eagles should give the receiver they draft this number — and DeVonta Smith would sure look good in it considering he wore it in college. If not Smith, give it to the punter. Linebacker Shaun Bradley might be a good look in No. 6, but No. 54 is such a great linebacker number he should stick with it.
No. 7: Joe Flacco
Even though all the single digits are open, and it is possible Flacco could change, he should stick with No. 7. It feels like a boring quarterback number, which fits Flacco well.
No. 8: K'Von Wallace:
No. 8 is a tough one to pick. Any player who takes it is almost definitely going to be doing so to honor Kobe Bryant. Wallace took No. 42 as a the reverse of No. 24, so he could jump at the chance to get to No. 8, Bryant's original number. No. 8 also fits Wallace since he is a hybrid safety/linebacker type player.
No. 9: Nick Foles
No. 9 isn't retired, but no player has worn it since Nick Foles left the team. A new collection of players being able to wear it could change that, but chances are no Eagles player will be wearing No. 9 for a very long time.
You can reach Eliot Shorr-Parks on Twitter at @EliotShorrParks or email him at esp@94wip.com!
