Jaguars Unlikely To Re-Sign Devin Lloyd?

Last spring, the Jaguars declined Devin Lloyd‘s fifth-year option. As a result, the productive linebacker is currently on track for free agency in March.

2026 will mark Lloyd’s first trip to the open market unless a new Jacksonville pact can be worked out. It seems as though that will not take place, though. ESPN’s Rob Demosky writes the Jags will “likely” see Lloyd depart by taking a big-ticket contract elsewhere.

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The fifth-year option groups inside and outside linebackers together for valuation purposes. As a result, NFL teams have increasingly opted against picking up the option in cases like Lloyd’s. Similarly, the franchise tag does not differentiate between the two positions. That means tagging Lloyd would cost roughly $28.2MM in fully guaranteed compensation for 2026.

The top of the LB market is currently $21MM per year, so tagging Lloyd would come as a major surprise. A long-term pact is more feasible for the 27-year-old, and wherever it comes from it will no doubt include a considerable raise. Lloyd was held under 113 tackles for the first time in his career during the 2025 season, but he set a new career high with five interceptions while totaling 81 stops. His production and role in Jacksonville’s impressive defense resulted in second-team All-Pro honors.

Lloyd remained a full-time starter despite seeing a dip in his defensive snap share. The Utah product will be counted on as a key contributor for his next team, and the linebacker market will offer few alternatives in free agency which are younger than him. Lloyd’s second contract could see him join the list of linebackers attached to an AAV of at least $12.5MM. That would move him within the top eight at the position in terms of average annual value.

Foye Oluokun inked a new Jags contract in 2024; he has two years remaining on his pact. Jacksonville also has recent Day 3 picks Ventrell Miller and Jack Kiser in place at the LB position. One or both could be in line for a sharp uptick in defensive usage in the event Llyod were to depart in free agency.