Panthers Rookies, Offseason Acquisitions Confirm New Jersey Numbers

Panthers unveil new numbers for offseason acquisitions and for some returning veterans.

Dec 14, 2025; New Orleans, Louisiana, USA; Detailed shot of a Carolina Panthers helmet on the grass before the game against the New Orleans Saints at Caesars Superdome. Mandatory Credit: Stephen Lew-Imagn Images | Stephen Lew-Imagn Images

As the Carolina Panthers bring in new talent this offseason, each acquisition has to find what number they'll wear on their new threads, if they can keep their old numbers, or finally get the numbers they want in the NFL. Here's the rundown and reaction to the new Panthers numbers.

Free Agency Headliners Switch Their Numbers

The Panthers' free agency class was headlined by the huge defensive upgrades, Devin Lloyd and Jaelan Phillips, both of whom were signed to multi-year deals and will now lead the Panthers' defense back toward elite-level status.

Jaelan Phillips, No. 5

Dec 14, 2025; Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, USA; Philadelphia Eagles linebacker Jaelan Phillips (50) walks off the field after win against the Las Vegas Raiders at Lincoln Financial Field. Mandatory Credit: Eric Hartline-Imagn Images | Eric Hartline-Imagn Images

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.

Last 5 Carolina Panthers to wear #5:

• Teddy Bridgewater (2020)
• Zane Gonzalez (2021)
• Laviska Shenault Jr. (2023)
• Diontae Johnson (2024)
• Rico Dowdle (2025)

The newest addition to the list:
• Jaelan Phillips (2026) pic.twitter.com/cgTloQxFa5

— bran (@branclt) May 4, 2026

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

Jacksonville Jaguars linebacker Devin Lloyd (0) shakes hands with Jacksonville Sheriff T.K. Waters after the game at EverBank Stadium, Sunday, Jan. 4, 2026, in Jacksonville, Fla. The Jaguars defeated the Titans 41-7 [Doug Engle/Florida Times-Union] | Doug Engle/Florida Times-Union / USA TODAY NETWORK via Imagn Images

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.

New numbers alert 🚨

Learn more:https://t.co/qLBGn2YmrO pic.twitter.com/cSaHFpwHgJ

— Carolina Panthers (@Panthers) May 7, 2026

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.

Sep 14, 2025; Kansas City, Missouri, USA; Philadelphia Eagles running back AJ Dillon (29) runs the ball against the Kansas City Chiefs during the game at GEHA Field at Arrowhead Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Denny Medley-Imagn Images | Denny Medley-Imagn Images

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

Dec 15, 2024; Charlotte, North Carolina, USA; Carolina Panthers running back Jonathon Brooks (24) walk on to the field before the game at Bank of America Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Bob Donnan-Imagn Images | Bob Donnan-Imagn Images

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

Nov 9, 2024; Oxford, Mississippi, USA; Georgia Bulldogs offensive lineman Monroe Freeling (57) lines up before the snap against the Mississippi Rebels during the second half at Vaught-Hemingway Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Petre Thomas-Imagn Images | Petre Thomas-Imagn Images

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

Rookies got their digits 🔢 pic.twitter.com/u2M1R99MlQ

— Carolina Panthers (@Panthers) May 8, 2026

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.