Devin Lloyd had a massive breakout campaign in 2025. As a result, he’s cashing in. Ahead of the 2026 season, Lloyd and the Carolina Panthers have come to terms on a three-year, $45 million contract. Out of Utah, Lloyd was once a first-round pick (27th overall) of the Jacksonville Jaguars in the 2022 NFL Draft.
Devin Lloyd, Carolina Panthers, Agree to Contract
Lloyd was one of the best linebackers in college football during his time at Utah. His sophomore and junior seasons saw him break out with 139 tackles, 21 tackles for loss, 8.5 sacks, an interception (pick-six), two pass breakups, and a forced fumble. Then, his senior season was the best of all. He amassed 110 tackles, led the Pac-12 with 22 tackles for loss, eight sacks, four interceptions (two pick-sixes), six pass breakups, one forced fumble, and one fumble recovery. He earned Pac-12 Defensive Player of the Year honors and was a consensus All-American.
The Jaguars drafted Lloyd with the 27th overall pick in the 2022 NFL Draft. As a rookie, Lloyd appeared in all 17 games, starting in 15. Across those 17 games, Lloyd played 926 defensive snaps (80% of the team’s total). In that time, he totaled 115 tackles, three interceptions, eight pass breakups, and two fumble recoveries. He earned a spot on the PFWA All-Rookie team for his efforts.
In his second season, Lloyd appeared in and started 15 games for the Jaguars. In that time, he played 966 defensive snaps and amassed 127 tackles, two tackles for loss, seven pass breakups, and two fumble recoveries.
Lloyd played in and started 16 games in 2024 for the Jaguars. In 883 defensive snaps, he totaled 113 tackles, seven tackles for loss, two sacks, one interception, four pass breakups, and a forced fumble.
Then, last year, Lloyd had his breakout campaign. Despite playing in 15 games and a career low 706 snaps, he was the star of the Jaguars’ defense. In total, he amassed 81 tackles, six tackles for loss, five interceptions (one pick-six), seven pass breakups, and one fumble recovery.
Lloyd was named to his first-career Pro Bowl in 2025 and even earned second-team All-Pro honors from the Associated Press.