Which roster numbers going to 90 in the offseason retired numbers are starting to become a small problem.

I figure one of these days the NFL is ether going to say numbers can't be retired any more and all numbers are in play.

Or the more likely that numbers can be twice as long as one guy is on offense and the other is on defense (like I've seen in training camps in the past) and people see in college football.

There shouldn't be ANY retired numbers. To honor the player, take it out of circulation for a decade and then re-enter it. It serves more honor in the number being used than not. You see that number, it conjures memories ... think about it.

I tend to agree, this would be a good compromise. The problem, particularly with the Packers, is there are just SO MANY numbers that could and arguably should be retired - based on what they did for the team in their time. Until this or some other acceptable policy is adopted, they could go with something like the colleges do - duplicate numbers in camp and preseason, one O and one D.

Great idea.

In Europe with soccer you don't really see retired numbers but certain numbers for certain teams hold special significance. Usually, those numbers are reserved for players who have established themselves and earned the right to carry on the tradition associated with that number. Granted, for the longest time, numbers were assigned to positions, not individual players (probably explains why it has evolved differently today where you don't see retired numbers).

Still, I think something like that could work. Where a player could establish themselves after few years and then, if they wanted, they could switch to that reserved number. For instance, I look at the number 36 and remember elite safety play, having grown up watching Leroy Butler and later Nick Collins hold that number for much of my lifetime. You could take that number and only give it to safeties (or maybe more broadly defensive backs) that have established themselves as great players. That way, you honor the player(s) that have established a great history with that number, but it is still available for use going forward.

The issuance of the number is only temporary.

If he makes the team it will change

If he doesn't make the team the controversy is ended.

A WR cannot wear 21 or 36.

While 5 is controversial, wearing 80 might currently be more controversial.

For the first time in years there are no duplicate numbers on the large offseason roster.

Doesn't matter Packers fans will remember the "Golden Boy" till the end of time.
Nobody will remember Sinkfield after August.

Kid has a chance. He's got Sam Shields measurables and iirc Edgar Bennett coaching him up.

There's gonna be competition there though, that's for sure.

It's just a camp number. Soon as players start getting cut, they'll change it.