Dallas Cowboys linebacker Jaylon Smith is going to be wearing Tony Romo's old No. 9 jersey in 2021, and he's paying a big price for it.
The Cowboys announced Tuesday the former Pro Bowler would be switching from No. 54 to No. 9 this season. The move will cost Smith over six figures, per ESPN's Todd Archer:
The number change will come at a mid-six-figure cost, according to multiple sources.
To make the move to No. 9, Smith had to buy out the current inventory of No. 54 jerseys and T-shirts, which follows NFL rules. Had he said he would change his number in 2022, it would not cost him any money.
Romo wore the No. 9 in each of his 13 seasons with the Cowboys, going from an undrafted, fledgling quarterback to one of the top signal-callers in the sport during his time in Dallas. He became something of a pop culture figure, as much as a football star.
Archer reported Cowboys owner and general manager Jerry Jones approved Smith's jersey swap, also noting Smith reportedly reached out to Romo in advance of the decision:
Owner and general manager Jerry Jones gave Smith the blessing to make the change. A source said Smith reached out to Tony Romo, who wore the number from 2003 to '16, about the switch as well.
The Cowboys could probably care less what jersey Smith wears so long as he continues to produce at the linebacker spot.
Dallas' defense struggled in 2020, but Smith has been a steadying presence at the second level of the defense. He has been a sure tackler and capable coverage linebacker for the Cowboys, though his Pro Football Focus grade slipped to 54.2 last season.
Perhaps some of Romo's old magic will rub off on Smith as he hopes to oversee an improved defensive unit in 2021.
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