byJohn Oehser&Bucky Brooks

JACKSONVILLESenior writer John Oehser and Jaguars analyst Bucky Brooks examine the Jaguars' linebacker position in this position-by-position look at the '26 offseason:

Position:Linebacker.

Position coach:Tem Lukabu.

2025 starters:Foyesade Oluokun(17), Devin Lloyd (15),Dennis Gardeck(8),Ventrell Miller(2).

Others:Yasir Abdullah,Branson Combs,Jack Kiser,Jalen McLeod.

2025 at a glance:This was a position of strength and productivity for the Jaguars much of the 2025 season, with Lloyd in particular turning in some of the team's most important and most memorable plays of the season. Oluokun fora fourth consecutive season since signing with the Jaguars as an unrestricted free agent was strikingly reliable and productive, registering a team-high 143 tackles, 69 solo, with five tackles for loss, two quarterback hits, a sack, an interception and a fumble recovery. This was Oluokun's sixth consecutive season with more than 100 tackles, the fifth-longest active streak in the NFL. Lloyd in his fourth NFL season earned second-team Associated Press All-Pro honors and was also named to the Pro Bowl. He registered 74 tackles, 31 solo, six tackles for loss, five interceptions, seven passes defensed and a fumble recovery. Gardeck in his first season with the Jaguars emerged as a solid edge defender and special teams player with 37 defensive tackles, 2.5 sacks, six tackles for loss, nine quarterback hits and 11 special teams tackles. Miller registered 27 tackles defensively with 11 on special teams. Kiser, a fourth-round selection in the 2025 NFL Draft, registered 10 tackles in 14 games. Combs played in 10 games after signing with the Jaguars as a collegiate free agent, registering seven special-teams tackles. Abdullah registered nine special teams tackles in 10 games in his third NFL season. McLeod, a sixth-round selection in the 2025 NFL Draft, missed the season with an ankle injury.

Offseason storyline:This was a high-profile, active position this offseason, with Lloyd signing with the Carolina Panthers as an unrestricted free agent and the Jaguars re-signing Gardeck shortly before the March 11 start of the 2026 NFL League Year. This could be an intriguing position in the draft, when the Jaguars could focusing on multiple spots for depth. They also could still be seeking a starter at weakside linebacker, and it wouldn't be surprising if the Jaguars addressed this position somewhere in the first two or three rounds.

Free agents as of March 11:Lloyd (signed with the Panthers), Gardeck (re-signed with the Jaguars).

Bucky Brooks top three linebacker free agents:1, Quay Walker, Green Bay Packers (signed with Las Vegas Raiders); 2. Tremaine Edmunds, Chicago Bears (New York Giants); 3, Lloyd (Panthers).

Bucky Brooks top three collegiate off-ball linebacker prospects:1, Arvell Reese, Ohio State; 2, Sonny Styles, Ohio State; 3, CJ Allen, Georgia.

Oehser analysis:This was a position of strength last season, becoming one of transition as the Jaguars moved past the start of the league year toward the draft. The Jaguars have multiple options on the roster to start at the weakside linebacker position left vacant by Lloyd's departure, with Miller starting twice for Lloyd in 2025. Competition here figures to be a key storyline in training camp, with a slew of young players Miller, Kiser, Abdullah, McCleod and Combs looking to distinguish themselves and earn roles at a deep, intriguing position.

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Brooks analysis:The Jaguars' linebacker corps played an instrumental role in the defense's rise to prominence in 2025. Oluokun and Lloyd terrorized opponents with their timely playmaking between the hashes. Lloyd in particular shocked the football world with his takeaway prowess in coverage after struggling mightily in one-on-one matchups earlier in his career. He finished with five interceptions, including an epic 99-yard interception return for a touchdown that was key in a 31-28 prime-time victory over the Kansas City Chiefs at EverBank Stadium in Week 4. Gardeck, who signed with the Jaguars as an unrestricted free agent from the Arizona Cardinals last offseason, emerged as a key contributor as a high-motor edge defender in the Jaguars' five-man fronts. Miller has been an effective backup, with fill-in capabilities as a starter. Despite losing an intense training camp battle, the third-year pro was reliable in his LB3 role, and the team could view him as a stopgap solution in 2026. Kiser and Abdullah made their mark as special teams standouts in 2025, but the duo could carve out bigger roles with productive offseasons that showcase their growth and skill development.