The Jacksonville Jaguars have opted not to apply franchise tags on linebacker Devin Lloyd and running back Travis Etienne for the upcoming season, according to CBS Sports’ Jonathan Jones. This decision impacts the team’s contract negotiations and roster strategies heading into the league year.
Financial and Contract Challenges Influencing the Jaguars’ Decision
Devin Lloyd’s potential franchise tag is complicated by NFL rules that group off-ball linebackers with edge rushers, driving the tag’s value to an estimated $28 million—an unfeasible amount for Jacksonville. As of early February, the Jaguars had not engaged in extension discussions with Lloyd. For Etienne, the franchise tag is expected to cost over $14 million, which the Jaguars are reluctant to commit to. The team might consider the transition tag for Etienne valued at approximately $11.7 million, but industry analysts do not anticipate the Jaguars using this option either.
Player Backgrounds and Contract Details
Devin Lloyd, 27, was a first-round pick by Jacksonville in the 2022 NFL Draft out of Utah and is currently in the fourth year of a four-year, $12.9 million rookie contract that includes a $6.59 million signing bonus. The Jaguars declined his fifth-year option worth $14.75 million fully guaranteed, setting Lloyd to become an unrestricted free agent in 2026. In the 2025 season, Lloyd played 15 games, recording 81 tackles, 1.5 sacks, five interceptions, and one touchdown among other defensive stats.
Travis Etienne, also 27, was selected 25th overall in the 2021 NFL Draft after a standout career at Clemson, where he earned first-team All-American honors for three consecutive seasons. His rookie contract spans four years and $12.9 million with a signing bonus of $6.74 million. The Jaguars exercised Etienne’s fifth-year option for the 2025 season, valued at approximately $6.14 million guaranteed. Etienne’s 2025 season included rushing for 1,107 yards and seven touchdowns over 17 games, complemented by 36 receptions and six receiving touchdowns.
Implications and Future Contract Outlook
Both Lloyd and Etienne appear on the list of top 100 NFL free agents eligible in 2026, indicating their potential availability after their current contracts expire. By avoiding franchise tags, the Jaguars maintain flexibility but face pressure to negotiate extensions or risk losing these key starters. The team’s hesitation to use expensive tags signals financial caution amid their roster-building efforts.
