As many Jacksonville Jaguars fans expected, Devin Lloyd is leaving after a superstar 2025 season. The Jaguars surely would have loved to keep him, but he was already one of the highest-paid linebackers in the league, and with a tight salary cap situation, it was just never going to work out.
That now brings a golden opportunity to two up-and-coming linebackers already on the roster to show what they’re capable of.
It’s not clear if James Gladstone would want to pursue another free agent or pick someone in the draft to replace Lloyd, but internally, there are two candidates who might be able to step up and earn a more substantial place on the defense. Ventrell Miller and Jack Kiser are both looking at the possibility of having a breakout season, which would be great news for both them and the team.
Miller was drafted from the University of Florida in 2023 and began making a good impression on last year’s new coaching staff almost immediately. He’s been praised for the energy he brings, and while his career temporarily stalled due to injury, he still is seen as a promising linebacker with a lot of talent. Given that he has more NFL experience, Miller is probably the most likely direct replacement for Lloyd.
Kiser, meanwhile, wrapped up his rookie season in 2025 with most of his contributions coming on special teams. But even among his limited snaps, there were still clear signs of potential. His season ended early with a hamstring injury in December, but like Miller, he is a talented and capable linebacker.
Working in both linebackers’ favor is defensive coordinator Anthony Campanile, whom the Jaguars were able to keep from being poached by another team after his resounding success last season. Lloyd flourished under Campanile’s leadership, and there’s no reason to assume the same won’t happen with Ventrell and Kiser if they are given larger roles on the defense.
This article originally appeared on Jaguars Wire: Devin Lloyd’s departure reshapes Jaguars linebacker outlook
Reporting by Casandra Chesser, Jaguars Wire / Jaguars Wire
USA TODAY Network via Reuters Connect
