Most of the media attention regarding the Carolina Panthers‘ spending spree has been focused on outside linebacker Jaelan Phillips. And that makes sense—especially when you sign the dotted line on the priciest free-agent contract of the offseason.
But it may be the team’s other big front-seven addition that makes more of an impact.
That would be inside linebacker Devin Lloyd, who joined on a three-year pact in March to become the new centerpiece of defensive coordinator Ejiro Evero’s fast-rising unit. Joe Person of The Athletic has named Lloyd as the top breakout candidate to watch for the Panthers this year.
Person writes:
The Panthers gave edge rusher Jaelan Phillips the most lucrative contract in franchise history last March, while getting Lloyd on a three-year, $45 million deal that may prove to be a steal if Lloyd repeats his Pro Bowl form from 2025. Lloyd made plays at every level of Jacksonville’s defense, averaging 109 tackles while collecting nine interceptions, including a career-high five in ‘25. Lloyd also showed he could be disruptive as a blitzer, something the Panthers have lacked at the inside linebacker spot since Ejiro Evero took over as defensive coordinator.
If he can repeat the same results is yet to be seen, but Lloyd’s production in 2025 was undeniably impressive for the Jaguars.
In 15 games, the former first-round pick racked up 81 combined tackles—including six for a loss. He also posted 1.5 sacks, 10 quarterback hits and 15 pressures. And in coverage, Lloyd only allowed one touchdown and a 57.1 passer rating while recording a career-high five interceptions.
Lloyd’s efforts not only helped push Jacksonville to an AFC South crown, but they earned him the very first Pro Bowl selection of his four-year NFL career.
The inside linebacker position has been a bit of a sore spot for Carolina since the retirement of Pro Football Hall of Famer Luke Kuechly. So Lloyd’s presence should make quite a difference for the Panthers in 2026.
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This article originally appeared on Panthers Wire: Big free-agent addition named Panthers’ top 2026 breakout candidate
