Jaguars Expected to Re-Sign Star Linebacker Devin Lloyd

The 27-year-old is set to become one of the NFL's highest-paid linebackers.

Published on Feb. 16, 2026

Got story updates? Submit your updates here. ›

The Jacksonville Jaguars are expected to re-sign star linebacker Devin Lloyd this offseason, despite facing salary cap challenges. Lloyd, 27, emerged as a defensive leader for the Jaguars in 2025, recording 5 interceptions including a 99-yard pick-six. The Jaguars are prioritizing keeping their defensive core intact after a surprise 13-win season under new head coach Liam Coen.

Why it matters

Retaining Lloyd is crucial for the Jaguars as they look to build on their 2025 success and remain a contender in the AFC. As one of the top defensive free agents this offseason, Lloyd will command a lucrative contract that could pay him among the highest-paid linebackers in the league.

The details

The Jaguars are over the salary cap heading into the offseason, but keeping Lloyd is expected to be a top priority. He is likely to command a deal in the range of $18 million per year, which would place him among the NFL's highest-paid linebackers. Despite the financial challenges, the Jaguars are motivated to retain Lloyd and maintain the defensive core that helped the team win the AFC South in 2025.

  • The Jaguars won the AFC South and 13 games in the 2025 season, Liam Coen's first as head coach.

The players

Devin Lloyd

A 27-year-old linebacker who emerged as a defensive leader for the Jaguars in 2025, recording 5 interceptions including a 99-yard pick-six.

Liam Coen

The Jaguars' head coach, who led the team to a 13-win season and an AFC South division title in his first year.

James Gladstone

The Jaguars' general manager, who helped assemble the roster that led the team to success in 2025.

Got photos? Submit your photos here. ›

What they’re saying

“Lloyd, 27, broke out as the big-play leader of a ballhawking Jaguars defense, getting five interceptions, including a 99-yard pick-six off Patrick Mahomes.”

— Greg Auman, FOX Sports (FOX Sports)

“Jacksonville is over the cap as it stands, but he would be an offseason priority — he's likely to get a deal that will pay him as one of the top five linebackers in the NFL, say at $18 million a year.”

— Greg Auman, FOX Sports (FOX Sports)

What’s next

The Jaguars will need to navigate their salary cap situation in order to re-sign Devin Lloyd to a lucrative long-term contract this offseason.

The takeaway

Keeping Devin Lloyd, one of the top defensive players in the NFL, is crucial for the Jaguars as they look to build on their surprise 13-win season and remain a contender in the AFC. Despite salary cap challenges, the Jaguars are prioritizing retaining their defensive core to maintain their momentum heading into 2026.