
LB · Carolina Panthers
1 transaction this offseason
Height
6'3"
Weight
235 lbs
Age
27
College
Utah
Draft
2022, Rd 1, #27
Experience
5 yrs
LB Rank
#28 / 349
Grade this player:
| Year | Team | GP | Tkl | Sacks | INT |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Career | ![]() | 63 | 436 | 3.5 | 9 |
| 2025 | ![]() | 15 | 81 | 1.5 | 5 |
| 2024 | ![]() | 16 | 113 | 2.0 | 1 |
| 2023 | ![]() | 15 |
Length
3 years
Total Value
$45.0M
Guaranteed
$25.0M
AAV
$15.0M/yr
The Panthers struck gold with Devin Lloyd's three-year, $45M extension ($15M AAV), landing an A- CVI that represents excellent value in today's linebacker market. Lloyd has established himself as a solid starter who brings consistent production and versatility to Carolina's defense, making this deal a steal compared to the $18M+ AAV that elite linebackers like Roquan Smith and Tremaine Edmunds command. At his current career stage, Lloyd is entering his prime years where defensive players typically peak, giving the Panthers the best version of his skill set throughout this contract window. The $25M in guaranteed money provides reasonable security without handcuffing the franchise, while the three-year term allows Carolina to reassess before Lloyd hits 30. This signing gives the Panthers a foundational piece in their linebacker corps at below-market value, freeing up cap space to address other roster needs while locking down a dependable defender who can anchor their defense through their competitive window.
Devin Lloyd earns a B- for the Panthers at linebacker, one of the brighter spots on a Carolina defense that has needed all the help it can get. Lloyd has the sideline-to-sideline range that modern NFL defenses demand, and he has been a productive tackler and playmaker. His ability to cover tight ends and backs in the passing game makes him a true three-down linebacker. The Panthers made a smart acquisition in Lloyd, who has brought a level of competence that the defense desperately needed. He is the kind of building block you can construct a defensive identity around.
Carolina lands a quality starter at linebacker with genuine upside in a solid move. Five headlines covered the signing, with Rapoport confirming the three-year, $45M deal details. The $15M-per-year price tag signals real commitment but raises slight overpay concerns for an unproven star. Fans are excited about the aggression shown by Carolina's front office rebuilding the defense. Lloyd has the athleticism to anchor this linebacking corps if he develops into his ceiling.
Auto-moderated fan forum with 5-minute speaker turns
Loading discussion...
| 127 |
| 0.0 |
| 0 |
| 2022 | ![]() | 17 | 115 | 0.0 | 3 |
Updated Mar 18, 2026
Recent seasons are weighted more heavily in the overall performance grade.
C+
2025
(50% weight)
B-
2024
(30% weight)
A
2023
(20% weight)