The Carolina Panthers may have gotten their first real glimpse of what linebacker Devin Lloyd can bring to their defense.
Lloyd played just 13 snaps in the Panthers’ preseason loss to the Buffalo Bills, but he made them count. The second-team All-Pro put up three stops, including a tackle for loss. On the play that stood out most, he shot through traffic and dropped running back James Cook III in the backfield.Â
That is exactly what Carolina was hoping to see when it handed Lloyd a three-year, $45 million contract with a $15.25 million signing bonus and $25 million guaranteed within hours of the legal tampering window opening.
Devin Lloyd made ever rep count in Carolina Panthers' preseason loss
There is only so much that can be learned from 13 preseason snaps, but Lloyd made the best possible impression before his day was done.
More importantly, Lloyd appears to be comfortable with his new defense.
Nick Scott told the Panthers' official site that there was "no drop-off in communication" with Lloyd on the field and said he had learned the defense extremely fast. The veteran safety also described his new teammate as a defensive centerpiece who was getting involved in the run game.
That is especially significant for a player who is expected to take on a larger leadership role in Carolina.
The Panthers spent the bag on defensive improvements this offseason, adding Lloyd and edge rusher Jaelan Phillips in two of their biggest moves.
Phillips balled out as well against Buffalo, putting up a sack and two tackles in 10 snaps. Together, the two new additions played only 23 snaps, yet there was a noticeable difference.
Expectations are growing around Devin Lloyd, and for good reason
For Lloyd, the expectations are especially high because of what Carolina invested in him.
The Panthers finished in the middle of the league defensively in 2025 after making progress from their disastrous 2024 season. Now the organization is trying to take another step forward by adding difference-makers at every level of Ejiro Evero's improving unit.
Lloyd is supposed to be one of those difference makers.
Three preseason tackles don't suddenly prove the Panthers made the right decision. After all, there is still a long way to go before the regular season, and Lloyd will face much bigger tests once the results matter much more.
Still, you love to see what he’s showing so far.
Lloyd only needed 13 snaps to make his presence felt against the Bills. The Panthers will need far more from him once the regular season begins, but Saturday offered a pretty good preview of why general manager Dan Morgan believed he was worth the investment.
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