Shemar Stewart gives Dexter Lawrence No. 97; more roster numbers changed

TL;DR

Shemar Stewart has given up his #97 jersey to allow Dexter Lawrence to keep his number after being traded to the Cincinnati Bengals. Stewart will now wear #94, and the Bengals have introduced single-digit numbers for defensive players.

Key points

Shemar Stewart gives up #97 jersey to Dexter Lawrence
Stewart will now wear #94
Lawrence's addition expected to benefit Stewart's performance
Bengals introduce single-digit numbers for defensive players
DJ Turner and Bryan Cook are trendsetters in single-digit jerseys

Shemar StewartDexter LawrenceCincinnati BengalsPhiladelphia Eagles

PHILADELPHIA, PENNSYLVANIA - AUGUST 7: Shemar Stewart #97 of the Cincinnati Bengals reacts during the second half of the NFL Preseason 2025 game against the Philadelphia Eagles at Lincoln Financial Field on August 7, 2025 in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania. (Photo by Scott Taetsch/Getty Images) | Getty Images Dexter Lawrence has made a name for himself as #97 in the pros. And the big nose tackle made it clear that he’d like to keep that number now that he’s been traded to the Cincinnati Bengals. The problem was that, just last year, the Bengals drafted Shemar Stewart in the first round, and the rookie chose that same #97. Today, Stewart decided to give up his number to welcome the veteran nose tackle to the team. It is not clear if any money exchanged hands. But what is clear is that Stewart could become one of the biggest beneficiaries of the Lawrence addition, as having someone clog up the middle and disrupt the interior of the line will free the second-year edge rusher to get a lot more pressure on opposing QBs. Stewart will now be #94. In other news, the Bengals let defensive players wear single-digit numbers for the first time, with DJ Turner (#0) and Bryan Cook (#6) as trendsetters.

Q&A

Why did Shemar Stewart change his jersey number to #94?

Shemar Stewart changed his jersey number to #94 to allow Dexter Lawrence to keep his #97 after being traded to the Cincinnati Bengals.

What impact will Dexter Lawrence's addition have on the Bengals' defense?

Dexter Lawrence's presence is expected to help free up Shemar Stewart to apply more pressure on opposing quarterbacks by disrupting the interior line.

Which players on the Bengals are now wearing single-digit numbers?

DJ Turner is wearing #0 and Bryan Cook is wearing #6 as the first defensive players to wear single-digit numbers for the Bengals.