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Devin Lloyd
LB · CAR

Devin Lloyd

Position LB
Team CAR
Bye Week —
PPR Rank —

Devin Lloyd

NFL defensive player. Position: Linebacker. Team: Carolina Panthers.

Quick Facts

  • Position: Middle Linebacker
  • Team: CAR (Carolina Panthers)

2026 Outlook

Recent Pro Bowl linebacker acquired by the Carolina Panthers in 2026 offseason to bolster a historically weak pass-rush defense. Lloyd finished the 2025 season with the Jacksonville Jaguars with 6 takeaways (tied for most on the team among 31 total) and earned his first Pro Bowl selection. The Panthers signed him alongside edge rusher Jaelan Phillips and others to address what was the league's worst quarterback pressure rate (26.2% in 2025). Lloyd's run-stopping ability and blitz package versatility will be critical in DC Ejiro Evero's defensive scheme (per One Disturbing Number Stands Out the Most for the Carolina Panthers).

Training camp developments (July 23): Pass rusher Nic Scourton suffered a right knee injury on the first day of training camp and was carted off the field, creating early uncertainty for the rebuilt Panthers defense. This injury puts additional pressure on Lloyd and Phillips to anchor a unit that is still assembling and integrating its new pieces. (per Panthers' Nic Scourton carted off field on first day of NFL training camp - CBS Sports)

The Athletic's Ted Nguyen ranked Lloyd among the 10 most versatile players in the NFL for 2026. Lloyd excelled across all roles: 81.1 coverage grade (3rd at position), 82.2 pass-rushing grade, 83.2 run-defense grade, and 89.1 overall defensive grade (3rd at position). He posted 10 QB hits with a 28.1% pressure rate, added 25 pressures (11 more than his previous high), and allowed only one TD with a 57.1 passer rating. Lloyd has nine career interceptions and 26 passes defensed. His three-year deal ($45M) ranks just 7th at linebacker in annual value, and should age well given his proven production (per Panthers' free-agent pickup ranked among NFL's most versatile players).

Role / Depth Chart

Projected starter at inside linebacker opposite Trevin Wallace in Panthers' 3-4 scheme under DC Ejiro Evero. Wallace is viewed as the favorite to start next to Lloyd but will face competition from fourth-year LB Claudin Cherelus during OTAs and preseason. Depth behind the starters includes 2026 seventh-round pick Jackson Kuwatch and second-year player Bam Martin-Scott (per Breaking down Carolina Panthers' defensive depth chart before rookie minicamp).

Injury Status

Sat out Week 3 against Cleveland; status uncertain for Week 4 vs Detroit (per Panthers' mounting injuries among most concerning in NFL - Yahoo Sports).

Week 3 historic performance — ruled out then returns for Jacksonville (Sept 20, 2026): Lloyd posted a historic game in Carolina's 34-3 win over Atlanta: 9 tackles, 1 sack, 2 TFLs, and 2 interceptions (one returned for a touchdown). This marked only the third linebacker since 1982 to post 8+ tackles, 2 INTs, a pick-six, and a sack in one game. Lloyd then was ruled out for Week 3 vs Cleveland due to injury but remains a flagship IDP option when healthy with elite tackle and turnover upside. Climbed from LB21 to LB6 in Week 3 IDP rankings. (per Week 3 IDP rankings with Dallas Turner rising)

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