(Photo by Jeffrey Vest/Icon Sportswire)
The Atlanta Falcons have undergone drastic changes over the last few years as the franchise tries to get back on track in the post-Matt Ryan era.
One of those changes was installing Desmond Ridder as the team’s new starting quarterback under center following the failed Marcus Mariota experiment last season.
Along with already being named the starter for the start of the 2023 NFL season, the Falcons quarterback is making a switch that might make him a bit more comfortable in his first full campaign as a starter.
According to Ari Meirov of The 33rd Team, Riddler will change his jersey number from No. 4 to No. 9.
#Falcons QB Desmond Ridder is changing from No. 4 to No. 9, which is what he wore at Cincinnati. pic.twitter.com/fqCpkglLMe
— Ari Meirov (@MySportsUpdate) April 18, 2023
Changing jersey numbers has become common in the NFL over the past couple of years, with the league changing the rules on what numbers can be worn at different positions.
No. 9 was always available to quarterbacks, but Ridder wanted to make the change for the upcoming 2023 campaign for whatever reason.
No. 9 for the Falcons was worn by linebacker Lorenzo Carter in 2022, and he has decided to switch to No. 0 for 2023, which opened the door for Ridder to return to his Cincinnati Bearcats roots.
With the Falcons not expected to make much noise next season, it’s safe to assume that Ridder will have time to develop in Atlanta without much pressure to succeed immediately.
It’s also a good sign for Ridder that the team didn’t make a play for superstar quarterback Lamar Jackson of the Baltimore Ravens or try to sign a veteran like Derek Carr.
The post A Falcons QB Has Announced A New Jersey Number Change appeared first on The Cold Wire.