Panthers Rookies, Offseason Acquisitions Confirm New Jersey Numbers

Jaelan Phillips has always had a five on his jersey, wearing No. 15 with the Miami Dolphins, and No. 50 with the Philadelphia Eagles. Now Phillips simplifies the number by just going with the single-digit number.

A single-digit number on an edge rusher is still going to be weird for Football purists, but it's a rising trend that's taking over the NFL. Phillips is wearing No. 5, Micah Parsons is wearing No. 1 after being traded to the Green Bay Packers; it's just where the league is headed towards.

Devin Lloyd, No. 55

Lloyd switching to 55 was a slight surprise; it's a big difference from wearing No. 0. Maybe the fact that he was a second-team All-Pro as No. 0 is why the No. 55 feels off. There is some cool history behind No. 55 on the Panthers, though.

Carolina Panthers GM Dan Morgan famously wore No. 55 in his time as the Panthers' starting linebacker. Now, No. 55 has been passed to Devin Lloyd, who looks to be one of the leaders and focal points of this defense, taking after Dan Morgan.

Other Notable New Numbers

The Panthers' other new additions are settled into their new numbers, and some returning Panthers have found new numbers that could signify a fresh start in their careers.

New Additions

QB Kenny Pickett - No. 12

QB Will Grier - No. 14

RB AJ Dillon - No. 28

WR John Metchie III - No. 13

C Luke Fortner - No. 77

OT Rasheed Walker - No. 63

OT Stone Forsythe - No. 73

TE Felipe Banks - No. 81

EDGE Nick Hampton - No. 39

CB Tyrek Funderburk - No. 20

None of these stick out too much. It would've been cool to see John Metchie III go back to No. 8, as that's the number he wore as Bryce Young's WR1 at Alabama. All the other numbers feel appropriate; the trench guys like Fortner and Walker have higher numbers, good vibes all around.

Returning Players New Numbers

RB Jonathon Brooks - No. 25

DT Tershawn Whorton - No. 98

DT Cam Jackson - No. 99

DT Jared Harrison-Hunte - No. 94

The defensive line shuffled around with numbers, but the main headline here is Jonathon Brooks, who's changed his number from 24 to 25. Hopefully, this means Brooks is turning a new leaf in his career and won't be injury-plagued in 2026, as he has been over the last few years.

Rookie Class Numbers

Initially, the only official number that was set in stone was for the Panthers ' first-round pick, OT Monroe Freeling, who will wear No. 57 for Carolina, the same number he wore at Georgia. Shortly after, players like Chris Brazzell II, Lee Hunter, Zakee Wheatley, and other rookies determined theirs:

• Lee Hunter - 92
• Chris Brazzell II - 19
• Will Lee III - 24
• Sam Hecht - 75
• Zakee Wheatley - 38
• Jackson Kuwatch - 46

New numbers, new look Panthers, one thing that shouldn't change is Carolina winning the NFC South, and if new numbers bring the right vibes for that success to remain, then Panthers fans will be all for it.