Feb. 19, 2026, 12:26 p.m. ET
If Devin Lloyd heads elsewhere in free agency, addressing the linebacker position will become a larger offseason priority for the Jacksonville Jaguars.
In this scenario, the starting spot next to Foye Oluokun will be up for grabs, and while second-year linebackers Jack Kiser and Jalen McLeod, along with Ventrell Miller, are candidates on the roster to fill that role, perhaps James Gladstone would still like to bring in some outside competition.
If he chooses to go that route via free agency, Kevin Patra of NFL.com recently highlighted two “underpriced” free agent options at the linebacker position.
2 free agent linebacker options for Jaguars if Devin Lloyd leaves
The first player Patra brought up was Philadelphia’s Nakobe Dean. In his career, Dean has been an effective blitzer and a mostly sound tackler. In coverage, he’s allowed 11.6 yards per catch over his career with an interception and three pass breakups over the last two seasons.
Expert NFL picks: Exclusive betting insights only at USA TODAY.
“The former third-round pick owns the type of athleticism and playmaking that could get him paid this offseason,” wrote Patra. “In four seasons in Philly, the off-ball linebacker proved he could get after the quarterback (7.5 sacks) and patrol the middle of the field. However, an extensive injury history could curtail his payday.”
The other linebacker was the Chiefs’ Leo Chenal, who has been a very good tackler and strong run defender. He’s allowed just 8.7 yards per catch in coverage with an interception and one pass breakup, according to PFF.
“The 25-year-old has never been in a full-time contributor in Kansas City’s defense, playing fewer than 550 snaps in each of his four seasons with the Chiefs,” wrote Patra. “But in his rotational role, he flashed playmaking ability, plugged holes against the run, generated seven sacks and held his own in coverage (when asked). The former third-round pick is primed to find more responsibility in a new defense.”
Now, “underpriced,” as Patra called these players, is a relative term. They still could earn good-sized deals in free agency. The Jaguars have the ability to create more cap space, but currently find themselves in a tight situation when it comes to the salary cap.