What's in a number? Several Giants get new uniform numbers

The New York Giants released new unofficial uniform numbers for the 2015 season Wednesday.Obviously, there are some new faces to the team, thanks to the beginning of NFL free agency. However, there are some familiar mugs with new digits.

The most notable of the jersey changes has come from linebacker Mark Herzlich. Herzlich, who is a fifth-year pro and has played his entire career with the Giants, switched from No. 58 to 94. That is the number Herzlich wore at Boston College. It used to belong to Mathias Kiwanuka.

Herzich had a career-high 47 tackles (31 solo) on defense during the 2014 campaign and recorded the first sack of his career against Philadelphia Eagles quarterback Mark Sanchez.

The former Boston College star signed a two-year deal to stay in New York on March 12.

At first, 94 was just the number I was given my first day at #BC... but turned into a symbol that represented the STRUGGLE that I needed to endure, the FIGHT that I needed to conquer and the HOPE that I needed to survive. I'm back. #94

A photo posted by Mark Herzlich (@markherzlich) on Mar 18, 2015 at 5:15pm PDT

Of the newest members to join the Giants in 2015, some managed to keep the same jersey number they had with their former team.

Of those is return specialist and wide receiver Dwayne Harris. Harris will wear No. 17, the same number he sported during his tenure with NFC East Division rival  Dallas Cowboys. Harris signed with the Giants on March 10 and his deal was reported to be worth $17.5 million, $7.1 million guaranteed, over five years.

Back on the defensive side of the ball for the Giants, two new linebackers joining Herzlich are Jonathan Casillas and J.T. Thomas. Casillas, who was victorious with the New England Patriots in their Super Bowl XLIX win over Seattle back in February, will wear No. 54 with the Giants. Thomas, a former Jacksonville Jaguar and Chicago Bear, will wear No.55 after dressing No. 52 with the Jaguars and No. 97 in Chicago. Both Casillas and Thomas signed with the Giants as free agents on March 10.

Backup quarterback Ryan Nassib is also switching jersey numbers, going from No. 9 to No. 12.

You can see all of the new jersey numbers at Giants.com.