The NFL approved a change at the annual meeting in Phoenix, allowing the use of No. 0. Two years ago, they loosened restrictions on what numbers players could use, opening up single-digit numbers to all players except offensive and defensive linemen.
Arizona Cardinals players jumped at the opportunity.
Budda Baker changed to No. 3. Marquise Brown took No. 2 when he joined the team last year. Rondale Moore changed to No. 4. James Conner changed to No. 6. Byron Murphy changed to No. 7 and Isaiah Simmons changed to No. 9.
There is a roadblock to changing numbers. A player on the same team as last year who wishes to change his jersey number is required to buy out the stock of officially licensed jerseys in circulation currently with his current number.
Who could be No. 0 for the Cardinals in 2023?
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WR Zach Pascal
Pascal is a new Cardinal, having signed a two-year deal as a free agent. He wore No. 3 for the Eagles but will not be able to do so in Arizona, was Budda Baker is No. 3.
LB Kyzir White
White didn’t go to a double-digit last season when he joined the Eagles but now joins the Cardinals. He could change to No. 0 without having to pay anything.
RB Keaontay Ingram
The second-year running back might want to join the single digits. Because he was a sixth-round pick last year, there is likely little, if any, jersey inventory of his.
CB Rashad Fenton
Fenton was No. 27 with the Chiefs and changed to 21 when he was traded to the Falcons. He probably will want No. 21 here but is eligible to be No. 3, especially as a newcomer.
Will Anderson
He wore No. 31 at Alabama. He is the most likely pick for the Cardinals if they do not trade the pick.
If he is designated as a linebacker rather than a defensive end, he could wear No. 0.
Christian Gonzalez
Gonzalez, one of the top cornerback prospects in the draft, could be the Cardinals’ first-round pick if they trade back.
He wore No. 0 last season so it would make sense.
Any other rookie draft pick
It might be the most likely scenario that we see a draft pick choose No. 0.
