Bleacher Report’s Alex Kay has suggested Devin Lloyd of the Jacksonville Jaguars as a potential fit for Tampa Bay should David depart. The idea centers on keeping Lloyd in Florida, where he could shoulder a much-needed leadership and production role for the Bucs’ defense as a versatile, add-on piece.
Lloyd had a standout season for Jacksonville, posting 81 total tackles, seven passes defensed, five interceptions (including a 99-yard pick six), 1.5 sacks, and a fumble recovery. He earned second-team All-Pro honors as part of a Jaguars defense that ranked eighth in scoring defense (19.8 points per game) and allowed 85.6 rushing yards per game.
Described as a playmaker on all three levels, Lloyd can cover in space, defend the run, and generate takeaways from the linebacker position. He is a three-down contributor who can handle tight ends over the middle and contribute on every snap, fitting Bowles’ scheme as a flexible, high-mimpact defender.
At 27 years old, Lloyd is in the prime of his career and offers the range and versatility that could serve as a seamless bridge to a franchise icon’s successor. With his fifth-year option reportedly declined, he would be entering free agency at an opportune moment for the Bucs to add a proven veteran who can contribute immediately.
Overall, the report frames Lloyd as a strong, low-risk option to fill the void if David retires, providing leadership and a ready-made skill set to stabilize Tampa Bay’s linebacking corps. The analysis originates from Heavy Sports, citing Kay’s perspective that Lloyd could be Tampa Bay’s ideal offseason target.
