While the Jacksonville Jaguars didn't hesitate to pick up Travon Walker's fifth-year option on his rookie deal early in the offseason, they opted not to pick up Devin Lloyd's. This is understandable when you take into account that the 27th overall pick was solid but unspectacular the past two seasons.
That said, Lloyd is quickly making the team's brass change their posturing with his strong start to the 2025 season.
Devin Lloyd is making a strong impression for the Jaguars in 2025
Devin Lloyd has made three starts in 2025, registering 26 total tackles, one pass defensed, one interception, and a fumble recovery.
The fumble recovery was pivotal in the gritty win against the Houston Texans in Week 3. On top of that, he logged two pressures.
I’m starting a new series where a highlight a free agent for 2026 each week. My first selection for the yr is Devin Lloyd. Lloyd is a free agent after this season because the Jags declined his 5th yr option. We saw 5 FA LBs sign for double digit APYs last yr, and Lloyd is up next pic.twitter.com/SObA6qWujo
— Daniel Salib (@salibdaniel1) September 22, 2025
Make no mistake, Lloyd has always been a force against the run, but he's struggled when he drops in coverage. Couple that with his lack of big plays the past two seasons, and it's easy to understand why the new regime chose not to exercise his option. That said, the former Utah Uta is quickly proving that he deserves to cash in. Whether that happens with the Jaguars or somebody else remains to be seen.
Related: Tank Bigsby is quickly proving the Jags made the right call when they traded him
Will the Jaguars let Devin Lloyd leave in free agency in 2026?
With his fifth-year option declined, Devin Lloyd is set to become a free agent in 2026. In light of his strong start this season, it's fair to wonder what the Jaguars plan to do with him. They surely knew there was a possibility he would improve. But as impressive as the Kansas City, Missouri native has been, Jacksonville is in a position to let him walk.
The Jaguars have put together one of the best linebacker corps in the NFL. They just gave Foyesase Oluokun a three-year extension in 2024, and Ventrell Miller's contract runs through 2026. Miller outplayed Lloyd last season and could take his place in the starting lineup if he leaves.
On top of that, Jacksonville signed veteran Dennis Gardeck in the offseason and used a fourth-round pick on Jack Kiser. Gardeck got a one-year deal, but could most definitely get an extension. On the other hand, Kiser flashed potential in training camp and could be a legitimate heir apparent for Lloyd.
Ultimately, Devin Lloyd will give the Jaguars a tough decision. But they'll cross that bridge at the due time. For the moment, they must reap the rewards of his strong performance.