- Today
- Holidays
- Birthdays
- Reminders
- Cities
- Atlanta
- Austin
- Baltimore
- Berwyn
- Beverly Hills
- Birmingham
- Boston
- Brooklyn
- Buffalo
- Charlotte
- Chicago
- Cincinnati
- Cleveland
- Columbus
- Dallas
- Denver
- Detroit
- Fort Worth
- Houston
- Indianapolis
- Knoxville
- Las Vegas
- Los Angeles
- Louisville
- Madison
- Memphis
- Miami
- Milwaukee
- Minneapolis
- Nashville
- New Orleans
- New York
- Omaha
- Orlando
- Philadelphia
- Phoenix
- Pittsburgh
- Portland
- Raleigh
- Richmond
- Rutherford
- Sacramento
- Salt Lake City
- San Antonio
- San Diego
- San Francisco
- San Jose
- Seattle
- Tampa
- Tucson
- Washington
Jaguars Face Tough Void if Devin Lloyd Departs in Free Agency
The star linebacker's blitzing ability and versatility would be difficult to replace.
Published on Mar. 2, 2026
Got story updates? Submit your updates here. ›
The Jacksonville Jaguars could lose linebacker Devin Lloyd in free agency next week, and his departure would leave a significant void on their defense. Lloyd, a second-team All-Pro in 2025, was one of the NFL's best blitzers and most versatile linebackers, excelling in both pass coverage and run defense. His unique skill set allowed the Jaguars' defensive coordinator to deploy him in a variety of ways, making him a key part of their defensive scheme.
Why it matters
Linebackers with Lloyd's combination of athleticism, blitzing prowess, and coverage skills are rare in the NFL. His loss would be a major blow to the Jaguars' defense, which thrived by capitalizing on his versatility. Finding a direct replacement for Lloyd's skill set will be extremely challenging for the team.
The details
In 2025, Lloyd finished third among linebackers in total pressures, despite rushing the passer on just 103 snaps. His pressure rate of 27.2% on blitzes was the best in the league. Lloyd also graded out as one of the top run defenders and coverage linebackers, recording five interceptions. Defensive coordinator Anthony Campanile praised Lloyd's unique abilities and how they allowed the Jaguars to be more creative with their defensive schemes.
- The NFL free agency window will open on March 9, 2026.
- Lloyd is set to hit free agency next week.
The players
Devin Lloyd
A second-team All-Pro linebacker for the Jacksonville Jaguars in 2025 who is set to hit free agency.
Anthony Campanile
The defensive coordinator for the Jacksonville Jaguars who praised Lloyd's unique skill set and how it allowed the team to be more creative with their defensive schemes.
What’s next
The Jaguars will have to decide whether to re-sign Devin Lloyd or let him test free agency next week.
The takeaway
Devin Lloyd's unique skill set as a versatile, blitzing linebacker was a key part of the Jaguars' defensive success in 2025. Replacing his impact will be extremely difficult, as linebackers with his combination of athleticism, pass-rushing ability, and coverage skills are rare in the NFL.
