Jaguars Defense Faces Key Question After Devin Lloyd's Exit

Can Jacksonville's defense remain effective without its star linebacker?

Apr. 3, 2026 at 5:26pm

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A cubist, geometric painting depicting a Jaguars defensive play with overlapping planes and shapes, conveying the disruption caused by the loss of a key defensive playmaker.The Jaguars' defense faces an uncertain future after the departure of star linebacker Devin Lloyd, requiring a strategic reconfiguration of their front seven.Today in Jacksonville

The Jacksonville Jaguars had a breakout 13-4 season in 2025, winning the AFC South. But the team lost key playmakers in free agency, including star linebacker Devin Lloyd, who signed a lucrative deal with the Carolina Panthers. With Lloyd's departure, the Jaguars' defense faces a crucial question about whether it can maintain its high level of performance without the impact of its former defensive leader.

Why it matters

Devin Lloyd was a game-changing presence for the Jaguars' defense in 2025, intercepting five passes and recovering a fumble. His departure leaves a significant void that the team must address, especially as they look to build on last year's success and remain a contender in the AFC.

The details

The Jaguars opted for a more deliberate approach in free agency this offseason, rather than loading up on new talent. Along with Lloyd's exit, the team also lost running back Travis Etienne. NFL analyst Brad Gagnon of Bleacher Report wonders if the Jaguars' defense can remain effective without Lloyd, who was a key part of a unit that generated an AFC-best 31 takeaways last season.

  • Devin Lloyd signed a deal with the Carolina Panthers in March 2026 that pays him an average of $15 million per year.
  • The Jaguars are not slated to pick until deep in the second round of the 2026 NFL Draft.

The players

Devin Lloyd

A former star linebacker for the Jacksonville Jaguars, who signed a lucrative free agent deal with the Carolina Panthers in the 2026 offseason.

Ventrell Miller

A linebacker for the Jacksonville Jaguars who has shown potential and may have the opportunity to step up in a larger role with Devin Lloyd's departure.

Foyesade Oluokun

A linebacker for the Jacksonville Jaguars who will likely play a key role in the team's defense alongside Ventrell Miller.

Travon Walker

A defensive end for the Jacksonville Jaguars who will be counted on to provide a pass-rushing presence on the edge.

Josh Hines-Allen

A defensive end for the Jacksonville Jaguars who, along with Travon Walker, will be relied upon to generate pressure on opposing quarterbacks.

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What they’re saying

“The Jags generated an AFC-best 31 takeaways last season, but Devin Lloyd is gone after intercepting five passes and recovering a fumble. It was a quiet March overall for a team that made major strides on both sides of the ball in 2025, but it's fair to wonder if they need one more weapon in the front seven in order to keep that rolling in 2026.”

— Brad Gagnon, NFL Analyst

What’s next

The Jaguars will need to address their defensive needs, particularly along the interior defensive line and in the pass rush, in the upcoming 2026 NFL Draft. While replacing Devin Lloyd may not be their top priority, they will need to find ways to maintain the high level of performance their defense achieved in 2025 without their star linebacker.

The takeaway

The Jaguars face a crucial question about the future of their defense after the departure of star linebacker Devin Lloyd. While the team has expressed confidence in their linebacker corps, they will need to focus on strengthening the defensive line and pass rush in the draft to ensure their defense remains a strength in 2026 and beyond.