The NFL offseason has brought a wave of movement for former Penn State standouts, as fifteen Nittany Lions have officially signed rookie contracts and been assigned jersey numbers for the upcoming season.
While some players will carry the numbers they wore in college, others are swapping digits as they adapt to new team identities and competitive rosters.
Uniform Changes Across the League
Vega Ioane, the defensive end who earned a reputation for disruptive play at Penn State, will wear No. 71 in Baltimore, a number that previously belonged to a different era of Ravens talent. His four‑year agreement guarantees $24.23 million, underscoring the confidence the franchise places in his pass‑rushing potential.
Undrafted free agents Nick Dawkins and Dom Deluca will both don new numbers with the Ravens — Dawkins at No. 53 and Deluca at No. 42 — while each has secured deals worth $5.57 million and $5.514 million respectively, reflecting the team’s willingness to invest in under‑the‑radar talent.
Across the league, other former Lions are making similar strides. Drew Allar, the quarterback who once led Penn State’s offense, was selected by the Pittsburgh Steelers and will sport No. 16. Drew Shelton, a wide receiver, joins the Dallas Cowboys with a $5.57 million contract and the number 67, while defensive tackle Dani Dennis‑Sutton heads to Green Bay with a $5.514 million pact and the No. 51 jersey.
Running back Nick Singleton will wear No. 32 for the Tennessee Titans after signing a $4.814 million contract, and Kaytron Allen will be the Washington Commanders’ No. 31, backed by a $4.68 million deal. Zane Durant, Trebor Peña, Devonte Ross, Nolan Rucci, Khalil Dinkins, and Tyler Duzansky round out the group, each aligning with their respective teams — Buffalo, Jacksonville, Los Angeles, Indianapolis, San Francisco, and Las Vegas — and signing contracts ranging from $3.1 million to $4.75 million.
The collective signings illustrate a deep pool of talent emerging from State College, and the financial commitments made by NFL franchises signal a belief that these players can contribute immediately. As the new uniform numbers are pinned to helmets and jerseys, the former Nittany Lions prepare to translate collegiate success into professional impact.