Former Jaguar Devin Lloyd embracing new teammates, a new position

The Carolina Panthers already know what they're getting from Devin Lloyd in terms of being a teammate and a model citizen.

"He's a dream to have," said Carolina coach Dave Canales on Aug. 19 after a joint practice between the Panthers and the Jacksonville Jaguars, Lloyd's team from 2022-2025. "He's professional. He's a great human. He plays with his hair on fire sideline to sideline and when he steps into the huddle and says the call, there's a confidence that comes with it that this is going to work. And the guys rally around that."

"He's been huge," said Panthers quarterback Bryce Young. "He's a very vocal guy for us, does a great job around the defense. And all of us have a ton of respect for him the way that he carries himself. In this short

turnaround, he's become a leader for us."

Whether the Panthers will get the Devin Lloyd who was the Jaguars' defensive MVP and a Pro Bowl player last season remains to be seen. The two teams play their second preseason game on Aug. 21 at EverBank Stadium (7:30 p.m., CBS-47) and Lloyd might not get that many reps. The start of the regular season is still 24 days away.

Lloyd also is playing a new position, as one of the Panthers' inside linebackers, after being the strongside linebacker for the Jaguars last year. He's got a new number, 55 (formerly worn by Carolina general manager Dan Morgan).

But all things considered, Lloyd and the Panthers appear to be a solid match. He signed a three-year, $45 million contract over the winter after becoming an unrestricted free agent and is eagerly embracing his new position that takes advantage of his side-to-side speed, in veteran defensive coordinator Ejiro Evero's 3-4 scheme.

As free-agent departures go, Lloyd's was among the most congenial you'll see in the NFL. No one on either side had a bad word to say and indeed, Lloyd praised the Jaguars' 2025 defensive coaching staff for helping him bring his full skills to bear and setting himself up for a big payday.

"I had great coaches last year, and they definitely helped me," Lloyd told the media in Charlotte after he signed. "I'll say I give the most credit to them."

Devin Lloyd getting the green dot

Lloyd is also the defensive signal-caller and, as a result, gets the helmet with the green dot ― signifying that Evero calls the defensive formations and plays to Lloyd.

"Going to Coach E's defense, not wearing a green dot to wearing a green dot … Coach E is definitely trying to put me in the best position," Lloyd said. "He knows my abilities. So I'd say from a defensive coordinator's perspective, it's just, 'hey … let's get this guy going downhill when we get favorable matchups. And obviously, let's get him in coverage so he can make plays with his eyes on the quarterback.'"

Lloyd struggled at times in his first three seasons with the Jaguars, especially in pass coverage. But he thrived under Anthony Campanile last year with five interceptions, seven pass break-ups and 81 tackles.

He said he feels more natural as an inside linebacker.

"Just being in this position in the middle … it's what I played in college [Utah]. When I got to the league is when they [Jaguars former defensive coordinator Mike Caldwell] moved me to weak side linebacker. It gives me more of an opportunity to just go sideline to sideline."

Devin Lloyd enjoyed reunion with Jaguars

Lloyd said arriving in Jacksonville seven months after his last appearance in the teal and black in the playoffs was emotional.

"Obviously driving in and seeing the stadium and coming into the locker room … coming on the field is just nostalgic," he said. "And then seeing all these familiar faces, all my guys, it was really cool. Let's just say it was fun going against them."

Lloyd said he came out of the bathroom at the Miller Center and bumped into the entire Jaguars defense, first seeing former running mate at linebacker Foye Oluokun.

"It was crazy," he said.

The real reunion came after the joint practice when Lloyd and his former teammates crowded around each other to share a few laughs.

He said there might be a get-together on the off day before the game.

"We have some free time," he said. "I'm going to link up with some of the guys. But we're going to order some food or have a chef make it."

Devin Lloyd bullish on Panthers' future

The Jaguars pummeled Carolina 26-10 in the opening game of the 2025 season. Lloyd had a quiet three assisted tackles, nothing like the monster games he would start producing later in the season.

Carolina lost three of its first four games but went on to win the NFC South and make the playoffs.

How far does Lloyd think the Panthers have progressed since he played against them?

"There's more talent," he said. "Last year, they talked about inconsistencies. One game, they're not playing up to their standard and one game they're playing great. Being with these guys in this locker room, you can definitely see the talent and just us upholding that standard every single day. Harping on being consistent and coming out and giving great effort every day. So maybe somewhere along the lines of just consistency."

Lloyd said he's also embraced the Panthers' locker-room culture.

"Just a group of great guys," he said. "It's so much fun being in the locker room. Those guys are just hilarious. I'm blessed to be a part of the locker room."

Sounds a lot like the relationships he had with his previous team.

This article originally appeared on Florida Times-Union: Former Jaguar Devin Lloyd embracing new teammates, a new position