Report: Jaguars NOT Picking Up Fifth-Year Option on Linebacker

The Jacksonville Jaguars have officially declined the fifth-year option on linebacker Devin Lloyd, their 2022 first-round pick. This is a pivotal moment in the young defender’s career, raising questions about his future in Duval.

Jacksonville Jaguars linebacker Travon Walker (44) greets linebacker Devin Lloyd (33) before the game of a preseason matchup Saturday, Aug. 26, 2023 at EverBank Stadium in Jacksonville, Fla. [Corey Perrine/Florida Times-Union]Corey Perrine/Florida Times-Union

Lloyd entered the league out of Utah with high expectations. He was universally talked about as a linebacker who would bring length, range, and instincts to any team that selected him. The Jaguars made the move to trade back into the first round of the 2022 NFL Draft to select Lloyd with the 27th overall pick.

Early in his rookie season, he showed signs of promise, flashing in coverage and making splash plays. Lloyd looked like a future star early on. But, as the season progressed, issues began to surface. Lloyd began missing assignments, overpursuing, and inconsistency in coverage derailed his promising start.

In year two, despite improvement in some areas, Lloyd still struggled to put it all together. He tallied 127 total tackles in 2023 and showed better command of the defensive unit. However, questions still remained about his ability to anchor the middle of the field and elevate those around him.

By declining the fifth-year option, the Jaguars avoid locking themselves into a significant financial obligation-projected to be over $13 million for off-ball linebackers like Lloyd-who has not quite cemented himself as a foundational piece.

Lloyd will now enter 2025 as his contract year, with everything to prove. His name will certainly be at the center of trade speculation. If he sticks around and takes the leap to becoming the consistent force many thought he could be, he will have the chance to earn a well-deserved contract extension. If not, the team can move on without the burden of a guaranteed fifth year on the books.

Declining Devin Lloyd’s fifth-year option isn’t a goodbye – it’s a challenge. The Jaguars are telling their former first-round pick to prove he belongs. This regime is not the regime that drafted him. This regime wants to see Lloyd rise to the occasion. Otherwise, his time in Jacksonville could be nearing its end.

Report: Jaguars NOT Picking Up Fifth-Year Option on Linebacker

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