This year the league changed the rules on single-digit numbers, opening it up for positions other than quarterbacks or kickers/punters. The new rule allows skill position players, defensive backs, and linebackers to sport single-digit numbers.
Even with all the new Raiders rookies picking their numbers, none of them were given a single-digit number. The most likely seemed like it would be Trevon Moehrig who wore No. 7 at TCU.
The number was available to be taken. And as of the first day of OTA’s today, a Raiders player has officially taken it. And it was a player who wore the number in college too. But it isn’t Moehrig. He took No. 25. No, it’s wide receiver Zay Jones.
The veteran receiver switches from No. 12, which he wore the past two seasons for the Raiders, to No. 7, which he wore in college at East Carolina.
Jones may be the first non-QB, K, or P to jump on a single-digit number this season, but technically he is the second WR to ever wear a single-digit in Raiders’ history. Former QB turned WR Ronald Curry wore the number one for one game in 2002 before switching to 89.
That No. 1 is still unclaimed for Raiders along with No. 9. For what it’s worth, fourth-round safety Tyree Gillespie wore No. 9 in college at Missouri.
Along with Jones taking number seven, new WR Caleb Scott took No. 10.
