CAR 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).
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).
Recent News
- 2026-05-30 — Ventrell Miller 'excited' for opportunity ahead in Jaguars' defense (Ventrell Miller 'excited' for opportunity ahead in Jaguars' defense)
- 2026-06-01 — Campanile evaluates play of Ventrell Miller in Jaguars' LB competition (Campanile evaluates play of Ventrell Miller in Jaguars' LB competition)
- 2026-03-17 — Post-free agency needs for every AFC team (Post-free agency needs for every AFC team)
- 2026-04-22 — Ranking Jaguars' top priorities in 2026 NFL draft (Ranking Jaguars' top priorities in 2026 NFL draft)
- 2026-03-10 — Best available free agents for Jacksonville Jaguars on Day 2 (Best available free agents for Jacksonville Jaguars on Day 2)
- 2026-04-21 — The '26 NFL Draft Class: Defensive Line, Linebackers (The '26 NFL Draft Class: Defensive Line, Linebackers)
- 2026-03-19 — 2026 Offseason: A Look at Jaguars' Linebackers (2026 Offseason: A Look at Jaguars' Linebackers)
- 2026-04-23 — 2026 NFL Draft First-Round Primer: Team Needs, Mock Picks, Draft Selections (2026 NFL Draft First-Round Primer: Team Needs, Mock Picks, Draft Selections)
- 2026-04-11 — Will Jags draft by positional need or best player available? (Will Jags draft by positional need or best player available?)
- 2026-04-27 — Jaguars keep one UDFA in post-2026 NFL Draft 53-man roster projection (Jaguars keep one UDFA in post-2026 NFL Draft 53-man roster projection)