
Dexter Lawrence Aims for No. 97 in Bengals, Eyes Jersey Swap with Stewart
New Bengals defensive tackle Dexter Lawrence, acquired from the Giants, wants to wear No. 97 in Cincinnati—a number he wore in seven Giants seasons—and says he’ll talk to 97‑holder Shemar Stewart about swapping. Stewart, the Bengals’ 2025 first‑round pick, currently wears 97; the team hasn’t assigned numbers to newcomers yet. With the NFL allowing single-digit numbers for non‑QB defenders since 2021, 97 could move if Stewart agrees, and other 90s or nearby numbers (like 96 or 91) could be available as options.













