Despite being named to the Pro Bowl and earning second-team All-Pro honors, Jacksonville Jaguars linebacker Devin Lloyd’s team declined to exercise his fifth-year option for 2026. Lloyd, however, emphasized that approaching every season with a “prove-it” mentality has always been his standard, rather than letting contract situations dictate his performance.
Standout Defensive Performance and Coaching Influence
Lloyd’s 2025 season showcased his versatility with five interceptions, six tackles for loss, and 1.5 sacks. He credited Jacksonville’s defensive coordinator, Anthony Campanile, for quickly recognizing and effectively deploying his unique skill set as the season progressed. This mutual trust allowed Lloyd to consistently perform at a high level, reflecting both his personal commitment and the coaching staff’s confidence.
“Every year is a prove-it year. You always have that mindset,”
Lloyd said, via NFL.com.
On working with the new coaching staff, Lloyd added,
“I take pride in being able to do what I did last year in any defense. Obviously, (new coaches) came in and they understood that I have a skill set. And, you know, as the weeks progressed, they really started allowing me to utilize that skill set more and more and play at the level that I’m playing. So it’s always great whenever a defensive coordinator believes in you. And, you know, that’s the case with any player, you know, all these guys, you know, the coaches do put them in the best position. So, you know, I was definitely a product of that. And then just me being right, you know, for myself as far as being at my best every week. It really just comes down to, you know, every day, ready to attack practice, ready to attack the game. And that’s nutrition, sleep, all the above.”
Facing Future Decisions: Staying With Jacksonville or Exploring Options
Lloyd expressed a desire to remain with the Jaguars but maintained that his priority is finding the right environment for his career and life. He highlighted personal connections to Jacksonville, including family, while stressing that ultimately, being in the “right spot” is what matters most to him.
“I want to be where God wants me to be,”
he said.
“For me, being back in Jacksonville, my mom lives out there. You know, obviously, my lady is out there. You know, there are a lot of pros to being out there. And so, for me, it’s just about being in the right spot. Ultimately, that’s the No. 1 most important thing, being in the right spot.”
New Coaching Leadership Brings Optimism to the Tennessee Titans
Meanwhile, Tennessee Titans quarterback Cam Ward welcomed the addition of head coach Robert Saleh and offensive coordinator Brian Daboll, praising the consistency and clear communication Daboll brings to the team’s offensive approach. Ward expressed enthusiasm about working under Daboll’s leadership, seeing it as an opportunity to elevate his game.
“I don’t need it, but I want it,”
Ward commented, via Jim Wyatt of the team’s official site.
“And it’s not for my sake, because I know what I want to be – I don’t need a coach to pat me on the back or cuss me out. I want a coach like coach Daboll who is going to be the same each and every day. He is going to let me know the real, and I just have to respond.”
Developing Team Identity Under Robert Saleh’s Guidance
Ward praised Saleh as a “great hire” for the Titans, appreciating the clear identity and culture the new head coach aims to establish. He noted Saleh’s respect among players league-wide and the mutual effort being made to build a strong relationship that can translate into on-field success.
“I think it’s a great hire, especially for the team and where we want to be identity-wise, what we want to put on the field,”
Ward said.
“I think he’s respected among players across the league. So, I am excited to have him as my head coach, and excited to get some wins for him. It has been good getting to know him, especially him starting to learn more about me, and me learning more about him. We want to create that relationship and be able to carry it over onto the field.”
Quarterback and Coach Collaboration Shaping Offense Strategy
Reflecting on his interactions with Daboll during the pre-draft period when the coordinator was with the New York Giants, Ward expressed confidence that Daboll’s coaching style aligns well with his needs and team goals. He highlighted Daboll’s reputation and willingness to foster close collaboration for continuous improvement.
“I had a good interview process with him throughout the draft season last year, and I think he’s going to do a lot of things to compliment me. I think he is going to put me and the team in the best situation,”
Ward stated.
“He is a coach who is well respected, and someone like me wants to play for a guy like that. I am for sure going to have his back, and he is going to have mine. I am excited to learn from him. … Having a coach like Daboll, who is going to listen to me, and give me feedback from the film room to the field and put his game plan in each and every week. That is why I am excited to be heard by him, and it is going to get some wins for us.”
Building Mutual Respect Between Saleh and Daboll After New York Stints
Head coach Robert Saleh humorously admitted that he initially thought offensive coordinator Brian Daboll was unfriendly during their time as rivals in New York. However, the two have since developed a strong working relationship, linking their approaches to offense and defense into a cohesive team strategy after both left the Giants amid challenges.
“I always thought he was a jerk,”
Saleh said, via The Athletic, with a laugh.
“When we’d play against him, he never said hello.”
Saleh explained that their shared experiences in New York have fostered empathy and a common appreciation for how they manage their respective units. This partnership is expected to strengthen the Titans’ overall team dynamics.
“We’ve had many conversations about just how we would handle things,”
Saleh remarked.
“The empathy of being in the (New York) market. We built a common appreciation for the way we go about our business — the way he runs offense, the way I run defense, and so to be able to link up with him, we’re very fortunate.”
Prioritizing Support for Quarterback Development
Saleh indicated that a key aspect of the team’s philosophy will be reducing pressure on Cam Ward, ensuring he is not forced to carry the entire offense prematurely. This approach aims to foster Ward’s growth without overwhelming expectations early in his career.
“For Cam, the best way to develop a quarterback is to give him a team that doesn’t make him feel like he has to be Superman, at least early on,”
Saleh stated.
“There is going to be a time as Cam continues to develop where he can put this entire organization on his shoulders and lead it to a win. But asking that of a young kid I think is unrealistic. So, building a structure for him that doesn’t ask him to be Superman 60 plays a game will be at the front of our minds.”
Focusing on Fundamentals and Mentorship to Elevate Cam Ward
Saleh plans to rebuild Ward’s development starting from foundational skills, both on and off the field. He believes Daboll will be a critical mentor in helping Ward reach the next level through disciplined preparation and strategic understanding.
“Cam, from everything I’ve gathered and all the discussions I’ve had throughout the building, throughout the league: He comes with an elite work ethic, elite character, elite person,”
Saleh said.
“The biggest thing we’re gonna work with Cam is just going all the way back to the beginning. We’ve gotten a whole offseason to work with him, take him back to the beginning on the field and off the field, the process, what it looks like to not only be a professional with regards to preparation with his body but also with regards to preparing from a game-planning standpoint or playbook standpoint.”
Additional Staff Changes Strengthen Titans’ Defensive Coaching
The Titans are also investing in their coaching staff by hiring former New York Giants safeties coach Marquand Manuel to fill the same role, as reported by Albert Breer of SI.com. This move is expected to bolster the team’s defensive capabilities heading into the new season.
Titans working fast now—Bringing Marquand Manuel aboard to coach safeties. https://t.co/2gsYldKuwb
— Albert Breer (@AlbertBreer) February 3, 2026
