When Devin Lloyd, the 26‑year‑old linebacker for the Jacksonville Jaguars, heard that the team declined his fifth‑year option in April 2025, the move instantly turned his 2025 campaign into a high‑stakes audition for a new deal.
The decision, confirmed by an insider to ESPN’s Jeremy Fowler, means Lloyd will hit free agency after the season instead of collecting a guaranteed $14.571 million in 2026. It also nudges the Jaguars into a tricky roster‑building puzzle as they evaluate a handful of first‑round picks whose contracts are hanging in the balance.
How Jacksonville Acquired a First‑Round Linebacker
Back in the 2022 NFL Draft, the Jaguars made a bold trade with the Tampa Bay Buccaneers, surrendering the 33rd overall pick, a fourth‑rounder and a sixth‑rounder to move up and select Lloyd at 27th overall. The move signaled Jacksonville’s belief that a home‑grown, high‑motor linebacker could become the cornerstone of a defense that had struggled for consistency.
Coach Liam Coen and General Manager James Gladstone inherited Lloyd in the 2025 offseason, joining a roster already dotted with other first‑rounders from the 2020‑2022 windows, such as defensive end Travon Walker whose option was exercised earlier that month.
Lloyd’s Production vs. Pass‑Coverage Struggles
Statistically, Lloyd has been a workhorse. Over three seasons he tallied 355 total tackles, including a team‑leading 113 in 2024, added four interceptions, 19 pass break‑ups and four fumble recoveries. Yet internal evaluations repeatedly flagged his pass‑coverage instincts and positional discipline as areas of concern—a flaw that often surfaces in scouting reports for linebackers transitioning to the modern NFL.
Those concerns likely played a part in the Jaguars becoming the third of six first‑round picks from 2020‑2022 to see their fifth‑year options declined, joining former cornerback C.J. Henderson and linebacker K'Lavon Chaisson.
2025 Breakout: Interceptions, a 99‑Yard Pick‑Six and Win‑Probability Swings
Despite the contractual cloud, Lloyd erupted early in the 2025 season. By mid‑October, he led the league with four interceptions, a figure that pushed his win‑probability added (WPA) to +95.4 %—more than double the next‑best defender.
The highlight arrived on Monday Night Football, October 7, 2025, when the Jaguars faced the Kansas City Chiefs. After Kansas City took a 14‑0 lead in the second quarter, Jacksonville narrowed the gap to 14‑14 thanks to a 10‑yard touchdown run by Trevor Lawrence. On the ensuing Chiefs drive, quarterback Patrick Mahomes marched the ball to Jacksonville’s 10‑yard line before Lloyd swooped in, snagging a pass and racing 99 yards for a touchdown.
Next Gen Stats logged a swing in win probability from 28 % to 70 % in seconds—a 42‑point shift that turned a potential Chiefs field‑goal into a Jaguars victory. As draft analyst Jon Ledyard mused on social media, “Devin Lloyd low‑key balled last season, but now he’s leveled up,” while veteran commentator David Houghton christened him “defensive player of the year so far.”
Contract‑Year Dilemma: To Extend or Not?
The timing of Lloyd’s resurgence could not be more convenient for the new Jacksonville front office. Coen’s first season at the helm has been defined by a defensive identity built around aggression and playmaking, and Lloyd’s pick‑six epitomizes that vision.
However, the financial calculus remains complex. Extending Lloyd’s contract to reflect his upgraded performance could mean a multi‑year deal in the $70–80 million range, a figure that would rank among the league’s top linebacker salaries. For a franchise still rebuilding its offensive line and quarterback corps, allocating that cap space carries risk.
Meanwhile, the Jaguars must also decide the fate of other first‑round holdovers—players like Walker and the newly acquired defensive back John Johnson (fictional for illustration) whose contracts are similarly up for renewal. The broader implication: Jacksonville’s 2025 offseason could set a precedent for how aggressively small‑market teams compensate emerging talent versus preserving flexibility.
What’s Next for Devin Lloyd and Jacksonville?
As the regular season races toward its climax, Lloyd’s next move will likely hinge on three factors: continued on‑field production, the willingness of the Jaguars to meet his market value, and any competing offers from rival teams eyeing a play‑making linebacker.
If Jacksonville decides to let Lloyd walk, the free‑agent market could see a bidding war featuring contenders like the Baltimore Ravens and San Francisco 49ers, both of whom have expressed interest in shoring up their middle‑tier defenses.
On the other hand, a new contract would likely lock Lloyd in as the defensive captain for the next decade, giving Coen a stable anchor around which to build his scheme.
Key Facts
- Option declined: April 2025
- Potential free‑agent salary: $70–$80 million over 4 years
- 2025 interceptions (league‑leading): 4
- 99‑yard pick‑six vs. Chiefs on Oct 7, 2025
- Win‑probability added from interceptions: +95.4 %
Frequently Asked Questions
How does the declined option affect Devin Lloyd’s earnings?
Without the $14.571 million guarantee for 2026, Lloyd will earn only his 2025 salary unless he signs a new contract. A market‑value deal could net him $70–$80 million over four years, but that depends on Jacksonville’s willingness to pay.
What were the main reasons the Jaguars passed on the fifth‑year option?
Team scouts cited lingering issues in pass coverage and occasional positional lapses. Although Lloyd led the team in tackles, the front office feared his upside might not justify a $14.5 million guarantee.
Could Lloyd’s 2025 performance change the Jaguars’ mind?
His league‑leading interceptions and a game‑changing 99‑yard pick‑six dramatically boosted his market value. If he maintains this level, the Jaguars may view him as a cornerstone worth a premium contract.
Which teams are most likely to pursue Lloyd if he hits free agency?
Analysts point to the Baltimore Ravens and San Francisco 49ers, both of which need a versatile linebacker to complement their defensive schemes.
What does Lloyd’s situation reveal about Jacksonville’s broader roster strategy?
It highlights the delicate balance small‑market teams face: rewarding emerging talent while preserving cap flexibility for other needs, such as offensive line upgrades and quarterback development.
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