Carolina Panthers linebacker Devin Lloyd has received a bold ranking ahead of the 2026 season.
The Carolina Panthers were aggressive in free agency this offseason, including signing linebacker Devin Lloyd to a three-year, $42 million deal.
In an ESPN article that polled NFL executives and coaches, Lloyd was ranked the 10th-best off-ball linebacker in the league.
Lloyd is coming off a career year, earning his first Pro Bowl nod and being named a second-team All-Pro. The 27-year-old finished with 81 total tackles, six tackles for loss, 1.5 sacks, seven pass deflections, five interceptions, and a fumble recovery.
"Physical run player, love his length in zone to get his hands on the football," an NFC executive said. "Not as effective in man. Can blitz and rush and is versatile."
He now joins a Panthers defense that is looking to build upon their 2025 season. Carolina ended their playoff drought and won the NFC South, but fell to the Los Angeles Rams in the Wild Card Game.
Doug Engle/Florida Times-Union / USA TODAY NETWORK via Imagn ImagesThe Panthers finished 16th in total defense in the 2025 season, but with the additions of Lloyd and edge rusher Jaelan Phillips.
Phillips inked a four-year, $120 million deal this offseason to be a lead pass rusher for Carolina. He appeared in 17 games in 2025 for the Miami Dolphins and Philadelphia Eagles, finishing with 53 total tackles, seven tackles for loss, five sacks, four pass deflections, a forced fumble, and two fumble recoveries.
The additions of Lloyd and Phillips will strengthen the Panthers defense, but to repeat as NFC South champions, they will also need Bryce Young and the offense to play at a high level.
Young is coming off the best season of his career, completing 63.6 percent of his passes for 3,011 yards, 23 touchdowns, and 11 interceptions, while rushing for 216 yards and two touchdowns.
Carolina has high expectations for the 2026 season, as they were aggressive in improving the roster this offseason, and Lloyd will look to prove that he is one of the best off-ball linebackers in the NFL.
Panthers Roundtable also offers a fan community and message board. We’d love to have you join us to talk all things Panthers. Click the “Join” button at the top of the page to join our community for free.
