![Jacksonville Jaguars linebacker Devin Lloyd (0) enters the stadium before an NFL football game at EverBank Stadium, Sunday, Dec. 14, 2025, in Jacksonville, Fla. [Doug Engle/Florida Times-Union]](https://images2.minutemediacdn.com/image/upload/c_crop,x_539,y_95,w_1673,h_941/c_fill,w_720,ar_16:9,f_auto,q_auto,g_auto/images/ImagnImages/mmsport/55/01kkar0vvbt5g80jwskw.jpg "Jacksonville Jaguars linebacker Devin Lloyd (0) enters the stadium before an NFL football game at EverBank Stadium, Sunday, Dec. 14, 2025, in Jacksonville, Fla. [Doug Engle/Florida Times-Union]")
As expected, the Jacksonville Jaguars lost linebacker Devin Lloyd in free agency. What was uncertain was where he was going to land after having a breakout season in 2025. Now, we know.
Late on Day 1 of the legal tampering period, Adam Schefter of ESPN reported that Lloyd reached an agreement to sign with the Carolina Panthers. Not long after, Schefter added that the 2025 Second-Team All-Pro got a three-year deal worth $45 million.
Around the same time Schefter broke the news, Ian Rapoport also confirmed the move and the terms of the deal.
A new home for Devin Lloyd: The #Jaguars Pro Bowl LB is signing with the #Panthers per me and @MikeGarafolo.
— Ian Rapoport (@RapSheet) March 10, 2026
It’s a 3-year, $45M deal with $25M fully guaranteed done by agents @AndreOdom and AJ Stevens. pic.twitter.com/02oagIvrEh
The Jaguars lost Devin Lloyd to the Panthers
The Carolina Panthers competed with the Cincinnati Bengals and the New Orleans Saints before they managed to strike a deal with Devin Lloyd.
Reminder: Devin Lloyd is stationed on the West Coast and went to HS in Chula Vista, CA. It’s only 4:25 pm PT out there, so the day is far from finished for Lloyd. Still, big decision for his career coming down to Carolina, NOLA, and Cincy (per ESPN’s Fowler).
— Jared Feinberg (@Jared_NFLDraft) March 9, 2026
All things considered, it wasn't particularly shocking to see those three teams get into a bidding war for Lloyd. What stands out is that he didn't get a top-market deal, as expected.
After registering a career-best five interceptions and showing notable improvement in pass coverage, the weakest part of his game, Lloyd was projected to make more than $15 million in free agency, and as much as $20 million.
Nevertheless, the Kansas City, Missouri native still got a huge payday, while the Panthers got a playmaker on defense.
Related: Free agency tracker of all the moves the Jags have made thus far
Re-signing Devin Lloyd was always a long shot for the Jaguars
A first-round pick in 2022, Devin Lloyd had the fifth-year option on his rookie deal declined because he hadn't been able to put it all together. However, it all changed when defensive coordinator Anthony Campanile arrived last year.
As noted before, Lloyd was at last able to put it all together. That turned out to be a pleasant surprise, but it didn't change the fact that the Jags were ready to move on even after he showed out. Heck, they already appear to have a plan in place to replace him.
Although Nakobe Dean and Quay Walker (he played for Campanile with the Green Bay Packers) would've been viable replacements for Lloyd, Jacksonville instead opted to bring back veteran Dennis Gardeck, who became a key contributor on defense last year.
Moreover, the Jags have a potential heir apparent in Ventrell Miller, who's flashed potential whenever he's been thrust into action. Of course, the Jags could still add reinforcements at linebacker in the draft.
Anthony Hill Jr. and Jacob Rodriguez have been floated as targets at No. 56, but Jacksonville may want to pass on both of them in order to address other needs. The defensive tackle position and the pass rush currently appear to be bigger priorities.
In the end, though, the Jaguars knew that Devin Lloyd was all but guaranteed. Now, the front office will be tasked to fill the void left by his departure and ensure the roster is talented enough to make a deep playoff push. The good news is that Jacksonville will have no shortage of options to make it happen.