Jaguars Weigh Bringing Back Top Free Agents

Fans debate whether Jacksonville should re-sign linebacker Devin Lloyd and running back Travis Etienne.

Feb. 25, 2026 at 8:05pm

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The Jacksonville Jaguars are facing a tough decision this offseason on whether to re-sign their top two free agents, linebacker Devin Lloyd and running back Travis Etienne. Both players lived up to their first-round draft hype, but keeping them will come at a steep cost for the already over-budgeted Jaguars.

Why it matters

The Jaguars must carefully weigh the value these players bring against the significant financial commitments required to retain them, especially with limited salary cap space. This decision will shape the team's roster and future direction.

The details

According to Spotrac, Lloyd has a projected market value of $20.1 million per year, which would make him one of the highest-paid off-ball linebackers in the NFL. Etienne's projected market value of $6.8 million per year would be more manageable, but still a significant investment. The Jaguars will have to decide if they can afford to keep both players or if they need to let one or both walk in free agency.

  • The Jaguars' first offseason priority is determining whether to bring back Devin Lloyd.

The players

Devin Lloyd

A former first-round draft pick by the Jaguars, Lloyd had a standout rookie season and is projected to command a top-tier contract as a free agent.

Travis Etienne

Also a first-round pick by the Jaguars, Etienne emerged as a dynamic playmaker in his second NFL season and is expected to draw significant interest on the free agent market.

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What’s next

More analysis on the Jaguars' free agency plans is coming soon.

The takeaway

The Jaguars face a difficult decision on whether to re-sign their top two free agents, Devin Lloyd and Travis Etienne, as the significant financial commitments required to retain them could strain the team's limited salary cap space.