Dallas Cowboys announce Ezekiel Elliott to switch numbers from 21 to 15

Despite going through workouts with the team for the first time on Wednesday wearing the No. 21 jersey of old, it turns out that running back Ezekiel Elliott will wear No. 15 during the 2024 season. The Cowboys made the announcement on Wednesday afternoon, along with the news that quarterback Trey Lance will go from No. 15 to No. 19 to free up the former Buckeye’s jersey. During his time with the 49ers, Lance wore No. 5.

Elliott wore 21 during his first seven-year stint with the Cowboys, though he used to wear 15 at Ohio State. He reverted to his old college number when he joined the New England Patriots for one season. Elliott is back with his original team, but it’s a new chapter in more ways than one it appears.

Last season, the Cowboys gave the No. 21 jersey to veteran cornerback Stephon Gilmore. Gilmore remains a free agent this offseason following the expiration of his contract.

Along with Elliott and Lance’s new numbers, the team also announced several other switches for players on the roster this week.

Wide receiver Maratvis Bryant will wear No. 84 after sporting 17 briefly in 2023. Sean McKeon, who spent most of the 2023 season on the practice squad, wore 84 last season before his contract expired. Meanwhile, wide receiver Jalen Tolbert is taking the No. 1 jersey, which safety Jayron Kearse wore before the team let him walk in free agency this offseason.

Also, linebacker Damone Clark is switching from No. 33 to No. 18. Clark wore 18 while he was with the LSU Tigers. In LSU tradition, the player in the No. 18 jersey represents the team as a leader on and off the field.

Cowboys reveal rookie jersey numbers

On Tuesday, the Cowboys revealed the jersey numbers for the eight draftees that they selected over the weekend. Starting with Tyler Guyton, the rookie tackle will rock No. 60, the same number he wore with the Sooners. Guyton’s fellow offensive line rookies Cooper Beebe and Nathan Thomas will wear No. 56 and No. 62, respectively, though both wore 50 in college.

Wide receiver Ryan Flournoy, the only other offensive player drafted by Dallas, will wear No. 19. Former Cowboys cornerback Noah Igbinoghene, who is now with the Commanders, previously wore 19.

Defensive line additions Marshawn Kneeland and Justin Rogers will wear numbers 94 and 96. Meanwhile, former Notre Dame linebacker Marist Liufau is in the No. 35 jersey and cornerback Caelen Carson in No. 41. Liufau previously wore 35 with the Fighting Irish.