Jaguars LB Devin Lloyd Draws Interest From Multiple Teams

NFL experts predict where the Pro Bowl linebacker could land in free agency

Feb. 22, 2026 at 1:03pm

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Jaguars linebacker Devin Lloyd is set to hit free agency after a breakout 2025 season where he made the Pro Bowl and was named a second-team All-Pro. Several NFL analysts have weighed in on potential landing spots for the in-demand linebacker, with the Jaguars, Bengals, and other teams expected to pursue him.

Why it matters

Lloyd's strong performance has earned him a big payday, but the Jaguars may struggle to re-sign him due to salary cap constraints. His departure would be a significant loss for a Jacksonville defense that ranked top 10 in scoring and run defense last season.

The details

In his third NFL season, Lloyd excelled in coverage with 5 interceptions, while also making an impact against the run and as a blitzer. PFF projects he could land a 3-year, $48 million contract, while Spotrac estimates his next deal could exceed $20 million per year.

  • Lloyd is set to become an unrestricted free agent in March 2026.

The players

Devin Lloyd

A Pro Bowl and second-team All-Pro linebacker for the Jacksonville Jaguars in 2025.

Anthony Campanile

The defensive coordinator for the Jacksonville Jaguars, who oversaw Lloyd's breakout season.

Liam Coen

The head coach of the Jacksonville Jaguars, who led the team to a turnaround season in 2025.

Al Golden

The defensive coordinator for the Cincinnati Bengals, whose unit struggled in 2025 and could target Lloyd in free agency.

Demetrius Knight Jr.

A rookie linebacker for the Cincinnati Bengals in 2025.

Barrett Carter

Another rookie linebacker for the Cincinnati Bengals in 2025.

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What they’re saying

“Under Jaguars defensive coordinator Anthony Campanile, Lloyd had a career-best five interceptions, taking one back for a score. That type of on-the-ball production at linebacker will garner interest in free agency, but I have Lloyd sticking with a Jacksonville unit that ranked top 10 in both scoring and run defense.”

— Matt Bowen, ESPN Analyst

“The Jaguars were able to retain both coordinators after a huge turnaround in Liam Coen's first season, so keeping their defensive core intact would make sense, even at a decent cost here.”

— Greg Auman, FOX Sports Analyst

“Al Golden's defense is in dire need of an overhaul, particularly at linebacker. Headlined primarily by a pair of rookies, Demetrius Knight Jr. and Barrett Carter, the Bengals' linebacking corps ranked last in the NFL in PFF overall grade (34.4). A defensive leader and cornerstone will be Cincinnati's biggest target this offseason.”

— Mason Cameron, PFF Analyst

What’s next

The Jaguars will have to decide whether to re-sign Lloyd or let him test the open market, where he is expected to draw significant interest from teams like the Bengals.

The takeaway

Devin Lloyd's breakout 2025 season has put him in high demand, with the Jaguars, Bengals, and other teams expected to pursue the Pro Bowl linebacker in free agency. His departure would be a major loss for Jacksonville, but retaining him may require a significant financial commitment that could strain their salary cap.