Carolina Panthers have landed linebacker Devin Lloyd with a three-year, $45 million deal according to ESPN. The 27-year-old former Jaguars defender comes with $25 million guaranteed money. Lloyd enjoyed his best NFL season in 2025, earning second-team All-Pro honors after recording five interceptions and 81 tackles. The move gives the Panthers a proven playmaker who emerged as one of the league's most improved defenders last season.

Lloyd's transformation came under Jacksonville's new coaching staff in 2025. Defensive coordinator Anthony Campanile utilized him more as a pass rusher than in coverage, allowing Lloyd to set career highs in both pass-rush snaps (95) and pressures (24). His coverage snaps decreased while his touchdown allowed dropped to just one, down from 13 the previous three seasons. This strategic shift unlocked the potential that made him a first-round pick in 2022.

The Jaguars declined Lloyd's fifth-year option last spring after inconsistent play through his first three seasons. His career includes 436 tackles, nine interceptions, and 3.5 sacks across four years with Jacksonville. The Panthers now add a versatile defender who excels against both the run and pass, giving them a significant upgrade at linebacker. Lloyd's proven ability to make game-changing plays fills a clear need in Carolina's defensive scheme.