The Jacksonville Jaguars wasted no time picking up the fifth-year option on Travon Walker's rookie deal earlier in the offseason. However, they didn't appear to have the same sense of urgency when it comes to linebacker Devin Lloyd. It doesn't look like things have changed much following the 2025 NFL Draft.
After the conclusion of the draft, the team's brass met with the local media and touched on several topics. General manager James Gladstone was asked whether the team would exercise Lloyd's fifth-year option and said that they haven't made a decision yet.
"No, I don't think we have," Gladstone responded when asked if the team had made up its mind about Lloyd's option. "We've been focused on the draft these past few days."
A first-round pick in the 2022 NFL Draft, Lloyd is eligible for a fifth-year option. If the Jags don't pick it up, he'll be scheduled to become a free agent in 2026. All things considered, it's easy to understand their reluctance to exercise it.
Lloyd had his fair share of ups and downs as a rookie, but has become more consistent over the past two years. Nevertheless, he's had a tough time defending the pass and hasn't become the playmaker the Jaguars expected when they drafted him 27th overall. If he had, they would not hesitate to pick up his $14.8 million tab for 2026.
The Jaguars may be preparing to move on from Devin Lloyd
Like most things in life, if the answer is no if it isn't a resounding yes. Of course, deadlines spur actions, and the Jacksonville Jaguars have until May 1 to pick up the fifth-year option. They already had plenty of time to make a decision, so it's hard to see them pulling the trigger at the last minute, especially when you take into account that they wasted no time exercising Travon Walker's option.
Sure, you could make the case that the Jaguars have been busy, as James Gladstone said. But that argument falls apart when you consider that they've already picked up Walker's option and signed defensive Emmanuel Ogbah after the draft. Add the fact that the front office added Jack Kiser in Round 6, and it's hard to see Lloyd returning in 2026.
Heck, there's a chance the Jaguars will place the former Utah Ute in the fold with Kiser in the fold. After all, they may come to the conclusion that they're better off getting something in return for him rather than letting him walk for nothing.
On the other hand, the coaching staff could keep Lloyd around with the hopes that he'll put it all together. After all, some players need a bit more time than others to hit their stride, and if that's the case, he'll give the Jaguars a tough decision next year.
That said, the Jaguars appear to be bracing themselves for the possibility that he won't. Bringing in Kiser may be a sign that they're not confident he'll pull it off.