The Jacksonville Jaguars picked up the fifth-year option for defensive end Travon Walker for the 2026 NFL season, but now what about linebacker Devin Lloyd?
Lloyd was the 27th overall pick by the Jaguars in the 2022 NFL draft. Every first-round selection gets a standard four-year deal, but the team has the option to either pick up or decline a fifth-year option.
That decision by the team has to be made prior to the player going into their fourth NFL season or the final year of their rookie deal. So for every first-round pick in the 2022 draft class, their respective teams have to exercise or decline the fifth-year option for the 2026 season by May 1st.
If exercised, Over the Cap projects that Lloyd will earn a contract in 2026 worth $14.751 million. That contract amount is predetermined by the Collective Bargaining Agreement (CBA) and is based on position, playing time, and if any Pro Bowls were made.
These fifth-year options are one-year deals and are fully guaranteed. Whether the option is picked up or not does not impact the final year of the player's rookie deal.
For some context around that potential contract figure, Pittsburgh's Patrick Queen is earning $13.66 million per year on his contract, and that is the seventh-most in 2025 among linebackers.
Lloyd is coming off a season where was a very sound tackler, making 106 of his 111 attempts, according to PFF, which resulted in him being a reliable run defender as well. Among eligible linebackers, Lloyd ranked ninth in run defense grade.
In coverage, that sound tackling ability helped Lloyd limit yards after the catch and he also recorded one pass breakup and an interception.
Given Lloyd's position and skill set, he is someone who could benefit greatly this season from the addition of Anthony Campanile as the new Jaguars' defensive coordinator.
This article originally appeared on Jaguars Wire: Travon Walker 5th year option exercised; what about Jaguars Devin Lloyd?
