CHARLOTTE The Panthers have reportedly added a formidable piece in the middle of their defense.According to multiple reports, linebacker Devin Lloyd is coming to Charlottein hopes of continuing the long legacy of linebacker play in Carolina.
Lloyd spent the past four years with the Jacksonville Jaguars and is coming off a dynamic year that made him one of the top names on the market. Get to know the Panthers' newest linebacker with these fast five facts to know about Devin Lloyd.
A game-changing ball hawk
Lloyd had a career year when it came to turnovers this past season. He hauled in five interceptions, which was tied for second most in the league in 2025. Few had a bigger impact than the 99-yard pick-six Lloyd returned off Patrick Mahomes on Monday Night Football in Week 5.
"He has been playing with a chip on his shoulder to prove not just to us and to his teammates, but I'm sure to a lot of other people, but really for himself, for self-respect, for pride," Jaguars coach Liam Coen said after Lloyd's pick-six.
He also had seven passes defensed on the season and 1.5 sacks.
Former first-round pick
Lloyd was a first-round pick out of Utah back in 2022. He spent five years with the Utes after redshirting his first year. He elected to return for his senior season at Utah, and it paid off. In 2021, Lloyd led the Pac-12 with 8.0 sacks and capped his season with a pick-six in the Pac-12 championship game.
After such a season, Lloyd was named the Pac-12 defensive player of the year and a first-team All-American by the Associated Press.
Long live the Pac-12.
All-star recognition
Lloyd continued his success from Utah into his initial rookie campaign. His first four games in the league saw him rack up 38 total tackles and two interceptions, earning him the defensive rookie of the month September of 2022.
The middle stretch of that first season saw Lloyd hit a bit of a rookie wall, but he bounced back by season's end to finish with 115 total tackles, two forced fumbles, three interceptions, and eight passes defensed. The showing earned him a spot on the PFWA All-Rookie team.
Lloyd bookended his Jaguars career with another stellar performance that earned him his first Pro Bowl appearance and an All-Pro selection. The interceptions were a big part of that, but it was also his impact on the passing defense as a whole.
TheJags used Lloyd more in the defensive passing game this season, his first under defensive coordinator Anthony Campanile, and it paid off. He had 90 pass rush snaps during the 2025 regular season, 20 more than his next closest total and 35.33 more than the average of his first three seasons in the league. The results showed in the highest quarterback pressure total of his career, with 23.
Jack of all trades in high school
Coaches love players with experience playing multiple positions. It opens up possibilities in that secret part of the playbook. Devin Lloyd certainly brings a versatile background that could be used in interesting ways. While in high school in Chula Vista, California, Lloyd played wide receiver, safety, and punter.
His time as ahigh school basketball player is what ultimately earned him a football scholarship. Utah tight ends coach Freddie Whittingham saw his basketball tape and told Lloyd's mother, "I saw how he maneuvered. I heard he played football, but I was looking at how he moved around the court, ducking and dodging."
His high school receiver background shows up in his ability not only to read the quarterback's eyes but also to show soft hands on his interceptions. Before he had his pick-six on Mahomes, Lloyd returned two picks for a score in college as well.
Grew up in military family
Both of Lloyd's parents were in the Navy, something that has an impact on the linebacker to this day. Since being drafted into the NFL, Lloyd has been heavily involved in working with the military.
He and his dad partnered with the Wounded Warrior Project last offseason, and he is an NFL partner with USAA. His work made Lloyd the Jags Salute to Service nominee in 2025.
