Could the Bucs make a trade for a former first-round pick in Jacksonville?
Could the Bucs make a trade for a former first-round pick in Jacksonville?
The Jacksonville Jaguars' decision not to pick up Devin Lloyd's fifth-year option has raised some questions about his future with the team.
After being selected 27th overall in the 2022 NFL Draft, Lloyd was expected to be a cornerstone of the Jaguars' defense. While he showed flashes of potential in his rookie season with 115 total tackles, 1.5 sacks, and three interceptions, there were notable inconsistencies when the Jaguars asked him to switch up his roles within the defense. This opens the door for other teams, such as the Tampa Bay Buccaneers, to target him in a trade, potentially, or to sign him once he hits free agency after the season.
Lloyd's upside remains significant.
At 6-foot-3 and 235 pounds, he has the ideal frame and athleticism for a linebacker, and his ability to cover both the run and pass makes him a versatile asset. For the Buccaneers, finding the heir for Lavonte David has been brewing for the last few seasons as the Ironman has come back on year-to-year contracts, and most feel this is his final season.
Todd Bowles has valued linebackers who can excel in coverage and against the run. Lloyd fits that mold. He could provide an immediate upgrade and the kind of versatility that Bowles loves to work with. Lloyd's youth, only entering his third season, aligns with Tampa's current linebacker room rebuilding efforts. Acquiring Lloyd would be a relatively low-risk, high-reward proposition for the Buccaneers.
If they can unlock his full potential, he could become a long-term fixture on their defense, offering the kind of stability and playmaking the team has been searching for in the linebacker room since Devin White's departure and K.J. Britt's struggles.
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