The Jacksonville Jaguars may have a strong reason to feel optimistic about the upcoming 2026 offseason as linebacker Devin Lloyd signals his preference to remain with the team. After an impressive 2025 season under new head coach Liam Coen and defensive coordinator Anthony Campanile, Lloyd anticipates negotiating a potential contract extension while entering free agency. His openness to continue with the Jaguars comes as the team prepares to build on a 13-4 finish and an AFC South title, following a 4-13 record the previous year.
Devin Lloyd’s Development and Impact Under New Leadership
Drafted in the first round by Jacksonville in 2022, Lloyd initially struggled to find his role within the prior coaching regime, resulting in the team declining his fifth-year option before the 2025 season. However, the arrival of Coen and Campanile has transformed Lloyd’s performance dramatically. In 2025, Lloyd earned Pro Bowl and All-Pro honors, demonstrating his growth through notable statistics including 81 total tackles, five interceptions (one returned for a touchdown), seven passes defended, six tackles for loss, 1.5 sacks, and a fumble recovery.
While early inconsistencies in coverage had been a concern, the Jaguars’ revamped defense allowed Lloyd to utilize his full skill set, ultimately establishing him as a key defensive player. This transformation has positioned him as a valuable asset as the team heads into free agency negotiations.
Devin Lloyd’s Perspective on Free Agency and Future Opportunities
Although Lloyd’s personal preference is to remain with the Jaguars, he acknowledges that free agency might take him elsewhere if a suitable agreement cannot be reached. He expressed confidence in his ability to contribute significantly to any NFL defense and highlighted the importance of having supportive coaching staffs that recognize and effectively deploy his talents.
“I take pride in being able to do what I did last year in any defense,”
Lloyd said at the Pro Bowl.
“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,”
he added.
“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.”
Negotiation Outlook and Personal Priorities for Lloyd
The Jaguars have the option to use the franchise tag on Lloyd, which is estimated to carry a salary around $28.8 million for the 2026 season, a figure that may encourage both parties to pursue a long-term contract instead. Lloyd remains focused not just on financial terms but on finding an environment where he can keep progressing as a professional, whether that continues in Jacksonville or another NFL team.
“I want to be where God wants me to be,”
Lloyd explained.
“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.”
Implications for the Jaguars’ Future
Lloyd’s potential return would solidify a vital piece of the Jaguars’ defense as they look to maintain momentum following their impressive 2025 season. His improved play, paired with the leadership of Coen and Campanile, gives Jacksonville a promising foundation heading into the 2026 campaign. Free agency negotiations will be a critical juncture that could determine whether the Jaguars keep this emerging star or face the challenge of replacing his proven talent.
