The 25-man Premier League squads have no doubt had an impact on this figure, while financial caution in the divisions below has seen many lower clubs baulk at wage demands of players who'd normally filter down the divisions.
As a result, a whole host of players continue to work alone, without a club and the season well under way.
Here we take a look at 21 players who've either played for Newcastle United or Sunderland or have been linked with either of our North East clubs.
17. Modibo Maiga - NUFC move collapsed
A failed medical prevented Newcastle United parting with around £9million for the Mali international striker. Later flopped after securing a move to West Ham United. | Getty Images Photo: Tom Dulat
18. Obafemi Martins - Ex-NUFC frontman
"He's 21, he's 28" - Martins is a cult hero on Tyneside. Scored some absolute belters. Last seen at Shanghai Shenhua. | Getty Images Photo: Lintao Zhang
19. Ross Wallace - Ex-SAFC
Played in the promotion season for SAFC under Roy Keane. A Scottish success story at the Stadium of Light. Released by Fleetwood Town. | Getty Images Photo: Nathan Stirk
20. Stephen Ireland - Ex-NUFC
The flop of all flops at Newcastle United. Come the end of the season they were thanking their lucky stars it was no more than a loan deal. | Getty Images Photo: Dan Mullan