The Chiefs proposed a new rule to reduce restrictions on jersey numbers

The NFL released its latest list of rule changes and proposals for the upcoming 2021 season as the owner’s meetings have gone on this week. The Kansas City Chiefs proposed the idea to amend Rule 5, Section 1, Article 2, to expand jersey number options for certain positions.

The move would have a drastic change on which wide receivers could wear a specific number. Right now, wide receivers can only wear numbers from 10-19 and 80-89. Tight ends can only wear numbers from 40-49 and 80-89. Under the new proposal, running backs, wide receivers, tight ends, and linebackers would be allowed to wear single-digit numbers. Additionally, their options would be from the 10s-40s.

For a team like the 49ers, who have a lot of retired jerseys, this should be welcomed. I imagine San Francisco isn’t the only team with a lack of numbers available as an issue.

Deebo Samuel wore No. 1 in college. Brandon Aiyuk wore No. 2. At training camp in 2019, Jason Verrett wore No. 2 as well:

Aesthetically, this should have been done a long time ago. There are no restrictions at the college level, and the NCAA allowed players to wear No. 0 this past season.

There’d be a rush for players to change their number.

One other proposal of note comes from the Eagles, who wish to see the NFL implement a second option for teams to retain possession after scoring a field goal or a touchdown by allowing them the chance to convert on a 4th-and-15 play from their own 25-yard line.