Panthers Bring Back Linebacker Isaiah Simmons After Signing Devin Lloyd

Carolina focuses on improving defense with two key linebacker additions

Mar. 10, 2026 at 7:10pm

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The Carolina Panthers have made two significant moves to bolster their linebacker corps, re-signing Isaiah Simmons and signing free agent Devin Lloyd to a three-year, $45 million contract with $25 million guaranteed.

Why it matters

The Panthers are looking to improve their defense this offseason, and the additions of Simmons and Lloyd should provide a significant boost to their linebacking unit. Simmons is a former first-round pick who has struggled to find consistency, while Lloyd has been a standout performer for the Jacksonville Jaguars.

The details

The Panthers re-signed Simmons on Tuesday, though the contract details have not been announced. Lloyd, who spent the last four seasons with the Jaguars, agreed to a three-year, $45 million deal with $25 million guaranteed. The 27-year-old linebacker recorded 81 combined tackles, 1.5 sacks, a fumble recovery, and a 99-yard interception return touchdown in the 2025-26 season.

  • On Tuesday, the Panthers re-signed linebacker Isaiah Simmons.
  • Also on Tuesday, the Panthers agreed to terms with free agent linebacker Devin Lloyd on a three-year, $45 million contract.

The players

Isaiah Simmons

A linebacker who was a first-round pick by the Panthers in the 2020 NFL Draft. He has played for three different teams in six seasons and will have a chance to prove himself in Carolina.

Devin Lloyd

A 27-year-old linebacker who spent the last four seasons with the Jacksonville Jaguars. He recorded 81 combined tackles, 1.5 sacks, a fumble recovery, and a 99-yard interception return touchdown in the 2025-26 season.

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What they’re saying

“The Panthers re-signed LB Isaiah Simmons, sources tell [Pelissero] and Rapoport.”

— Tom Pelissero and Ian Rapoport, NFL Network reporters

“Sources tell [Garafolo] and Rapoport: 'The Panthers have agreed to terms with LB Devin Lloyd on a three-year, $45 million deal with $25 million guaranteed. Deal done by his agents Andre Odom and AJ Stevens.'”

— Mike Garafolo and Ian Rapoport, NFL Network reporters

The takeaway

The Panthers' moves to bring back Isaiah Simmons and sign Devin Lloyd demonstrate their commitment to improving their defense this offseason. The additions of these two talented linebackers should provide a significant boost to the team's linebacking corps and help them compete in the NFC South.