National media outlet says the Panthers made one of best moves in the NFL during the first wave of free agency
The Carolina Panthers have made some big-time free agent moves this week.
The Carolina Panthers, according to Pro Football Focus, made one of the top five moves in the league during the first few days of NFL free agency.
PFF loved the Panthers’ addition of free agent linebacker Devin Lloyd, who is set to play a key role in Carolina’s defense after agreeing to a three-year deal.
“Lloyd is an every-down weapon at the position, capable of making plays in each facet on defense,” wrote PFF’s Mason Cameron. “He closed out a career year in 2025 by ranking above the 90th percentile in PFF coverage grade (78.9), PFF run-defense grade (85.2) and PFF pass-rush grade (81.8). It was his third consecutive season with a PFF overall grade above 76.0.
“Lloyd provides Carolina’s defense with a leader at linebacker, a void the team desperately needed to address after its showing last season. The move to acquire Christian Rozeboom last offseason amounted to little, as no Panthers linebacker eclipsed a 55.0 PFF overall grade in 2025.”
A big reason why PFF loves the deal for Carolina is because it’s for $15 million a year, which is below what was projected for Lloyd.
“On top of Lloyd’s strong fit, the money is team-friendly,” noted Cameron. “Lloyd’s $15 million per-year average comes in just shy of his PFF projection of $16 million annually but well under the estimated $20 million mark some outlets were suggesting he may reach.”
Lloyd, a former Utah standout, was named Second-Team All-Pro last season. It was the first time in Lloyd’s career that he’s been named an All-Pro.
Carolina Panthers News
Pro Football Focus leaves no doubt on how they feel about the Carolina Panthers’ moves on the first two days of NFL free agency
The Carolina Panthers made some key moves the last two days.
