The Jacksonville Jaguars went 13-4 and won the AFC South title in 2025. Yet, they're somehow flying under the radar. Some of that dearth of recognition stems from their (mostly) uneventful offseason and the questions surrounding the roster.
Back in free agency, the Jags let linebacker Devin Lloyd and running back Travis Etienne walk in free agency despite the fact that they were both key contributors last year. Understandably, general manager James Gladstone caught lots of heat for seemingly not doing enough to replace them. That said, he already has a plan in motion, specifically when it comes to Lloyd.
Fourth-year linebacker Ventrell Miller will get a chance to fill the void left by Lloyd's departure. When you take into account that the fourth-year linebacker has previously flashed, that appears to be a solid plan. But despite Jacksonville's confidence in Miller, some uncertainty still lingers.
Will the Jaguars miss Devin Lloyd in 2026?
Kevin Patra of NFL Media took a look at three pressing questions the Jaguars must address in training camp and wonders how they will replace Devin Lloyd, pointing out that Ventrell Miller will get a crack at the starting job but could face competition.
"The Jags saw Devin Lloyd leave in free agency and didn't replace his production in Anthony Campanile's defense via free agency or early in the draft. The decision puts 2023 fourth-rounder Ventrell Miller in line to take over the role next to Foye Olukoun," Patra wrote. "Miller showed spunk this offseason but won't be handed the starting job. 2025 undrafted free agent LB Branson Combs and 2026 seventh-round Parker Hughes could have a shot to push Miller for the starting gig. If no one comes to the forefront."
Patra goes on to say that the the lack of lack of a playmaker at linebacker could highlight the dearth of talent on the defensive line, another potential reason for concern.
On paper, it does look like a legitimate concern. After all, Lloyd had a breakout season in 2025, posting a team-best five interceptions, including one for a touchdown against the Kansas City Chiefs. Similarly, the former Utah Ute showed notable improvement in coverage, an area where he had struggled in previous years. Having said that, the Jags don't appear overly concerned.
The Jaguars believe Ventrell Miller can replace Devin Lloyd
When the new regime took over, the Jaguars wasted no time picking up Travon Walker's fifth-year option but didn't exercise Lloyd, hinting at the possibility that he wasn't part of the team's long-term plans, and rightly so. Before his breakout campaign, Lloyd was a solid but not great linebacker. It wasn't until Anthony Campanile tweaked his role that he took off.
That Lloyd broke out probably was an unexpected surprise, but Jacksonville still is confident that Miller could, if not become a game-changer, provide stability at linebacker. Heck, there's a chance the team will also let Miller walk in 2027 even if he has a banner season.
Already, the Jags have sophomore linebacker Branson Combs under their wing. Already, he's shown substantial progress from last year. While there's a chance he will compete for a starting job in training camp, he may not get it until/if Miller leaves in 2027.
It's also worth noting that head coach Liam Coen has previously endorsed Ventrell Miller, arguing that the former Florida Gator should be thrilled that the team didn't make a prominent addition at linebacker in the offseason.
Sure, Branson Combs could give Ventrell Miller a run for his money in training camp, but if everything goes according to plan, he'll do a fine job of replacing Devin Lloyd and the defense won't miss a beat next season. Heck, it may be even better.
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