Dexter Lawrence Faces Jersey Number Decision with Bengals

Defensive tackle Dexter Lawrence, recently traded from the New York Giants to the Cincinnati Bengals, has arrived in Cincinnati with a potential jersey number conflict. Lawrence wore number 97 during his tenure with the Giants.

The Bengals' number 97 is currently worn by defensive lineman Shemar Stewart. This has already become a topic of discussion for the new arrival.

"I want to get it. I know Stewart, he had it last year or has it right now, but I’m going to speak to him and see what he wants to do," Lawrence stated during his introductory press conference.

The Business of NFL Jersey Numbers

Such negotiations are common in the NFL, where teams hold the rights to assign numbers but players often work out private arrangements, sometimes involving significant payments.

A notable historical example involved Washington running back Clinton Portis and safety Ifeanyi Ohalete in 2005. Portis agreed to pay Ohalete $40,000 for the right to wear number 26.

Portis made an initial payment of $20,000. However, Ohalete was cut from the team before the season began and did not receive the remaining $20,000. The dispute led Ohalete to file a lawsuit, which was eventually settled out of court.

Lawrence's approach suggests a more diplomatic start to the process as he settles in with his new team.