The Jacksonville Jaguars have gotten mixed results from their 2022 draft class. Their haul would arguably look better if Devin Lloyd had already turned into a franchise cornerstone, but he's entering a contract season after having his fifth-year option declined. His future is now in doubt, which has led an NFL analyst to wonder what the Jags plan to do at linebacker in 2026.
Trevor Sikkema drew up a list of questions each NFL team must tackle and wonders what Jacksonville will do with Lloyd next year, poiting out that the new regime could go in a different direction.
"Lloyd has been the centerpiece of the Jaguars' defense for the past three seasons, starting since he was a rookie in 2023. Over the past two years, he has ranked 15th and 13th in PFF overall grade among linebackers," Sikkema wrote. "It seems obvious for Jacksonville to re-sign Lloyd in 2026 when his rookie contract runs out, but this is not the regime that drafted him. He will likely stick around, but if he doesn't, it could change the identity and outlook of the entire defense."
While it's true that Lloyd has been a mainstay of the Jacksonville defense the past three years, his future may not be as clear-cut as Sikkema suggests. For starters, it was telling that the new regime didn't pick up his option, wasted no time exercising fellow draftee Travon Walker's. On top of that, the former Utah Ute has left a bit to be desired.
Sure, Lloyd has been more consistent than he was early in his career and excels at stuffing the run. However, he struggles in coverage, so even though he's a three-down player, he may not have an impact at key times.
But wait, there's more! Ventrell Miller looked much better than him last year and may challenge him for the starting job next season. If that wasn't enough, the Jags added Jack Kiser in the Draft. He might not be as athletically gifted but has the tools to potentially earn a featured role down the road.
Devin Lloyd could give the Jaguars a though decision in 2025
At this point, it's hard to speculate what the Jacksonville Jaguars will do with Devin Lloyd. He needs to show that he's part of their long-term future, and there's a reason to think he will: The arrival of defensive coordinator Anthony Campanile.
The defense as a whole struggled under defensive coordinator Ryan Nielsen last year, and there's a reason to think that everyone will perform much better with Campanile at the helm. If Lloyd makes the most out of his fresh start, he will then give the Jaguars something to think about. After all, he's entering a contract year and will be incentivized to get paid in 2025.
Having said that, Lloyd will also need to look over his shoulder. Like him, Ventrell Miller and rookie Jack Kiser will also get an opportunity to prove themselves. Heck, one of them could turn out to be the long-term answer at the position. Of course, there's also a chance the Jags have to make upgrades to the linebacker corps next offseason if nobody steps up.
Ultimately, the Jaguars have a starting linebacker in Foyesade Oluokun. They'll give Devin Lloyd a chance to show he deserves the spot next to him, short and long term. It will be up to him to make the most of it.
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