Broncos Players Changing Numbers; DeMarcus Ware Gets 94

January 19, 2014; Denver, CO, USA; Denver Broncos defensive tackle Terrance Knighton (94) celebrates after sacking New England Patriots quarterback Tom Brady (12) on fourth and two in the second half of the 2013 AFC Championship football game at Sports Authority Field at Mile High. Mandatory Credit: Mark J. Rebilas-USA TODAY Sports

When the Broncos signed DeMarcus Ware in free agency, it was only a matter of time before the rumors started as to what the price would be for the number he made famous in Dallas–number 94.

The number was worn last year by breakout defensive tackle Terrance Knighton, who was so excited about having Ware on the Broncos that he decided to just give him the number.

There have been no reports of this, but I’m sure Ware will find a way to return the favor.

Other Broncos players also did some number swapping, some more telling than others.

Aqib Talib, who wore the number 25 with the Buccaneers and 31 with the Patriots took 21 from Ronnie Hillman, who now wears number 23. Knighton replaced his number 94 with 98, formerly worn by Sione Fua who then selected the number 91, Robert Ayers’ old number.

Ayers is currently a free agent, and someone taking his number doesn’t exactly indicate he’s getting ready to stay with the Broncos. Here are the official number swaps for the five Broncos players:

Aqib Talib — 21
Ronnie Hillman — 23
Sione Fua — 91
DeMarcus Ware — 94
Terrance Knighton — 98

Interestingly, there has been no official word of what number T.J. Ward–Denver’s first big name signing–will wear. Ward’s number in Cleveland was 43, and that number is currently occupied by fellow safety John Boyett, another player who I really like as a sleeper on this Denver roster.