🏈 ESPN’s Aaron Schwartz Predicts Cowboys Could Make a Move for Devin Lloyd in Free Agency

NFL offseason speculation is already heating up, and one intriguing projection comes from ESPN analyst Aaron Schwartz. According to Schwartz, the Dallas Cowboys could target Devin Lloyd of the Jacksonville Jaguars when free agency opens.

While this remains a prediction rather than a confirmed report, the potential fit between Lloyd and Dallas is generating discussion among league observers.

Why Devin Lloyd?

Lloyd entered the NFL as a first-round selection and quickly established himself as an athletic, instinctive linebacker capable of playing all three downs.

Known for his range, tackling efficiency, and ability to drop into coverage, he offers the type of versatility modern NFL defenses covet.

At 6-foot-3 with elite sideline-to-sideline speed, Lloyd thrives in space — a critical trait in today’s pass-heavy league. He has shown flashes of playmaking ability, including timely blitz pressure and the awareness to disrupt passing lanes.

For a Cowboys defense that has experienced inconsistency at linebacker due to injuries and depth turnover, Lloyd would represent both stability and upside.

Dallas’ Defensive Outlook

The Cowboys’ defense has long been built around speed and disruption. However, injuries at key positions have forced the team to rotate personnel more than anticipated. While Dallas still boasts strong talent along the defensive line and secondary, the middle of the field has occasionally been exposed against dynamic offenses.

Adding a linebacker like Lloyd could:

• Improve coverage against tight ends and running backs

• Strengthen run defense between the tackles

• Provide flexibility in blitz packages

• Allow defensive coordinators to disguise coverages more effectively

If the Cowboys are serious about contending for a deep playoff run, reinforcing the second level of the defense would be a logical priority.

Salary Cap and Financial Implications

Any pursuit of Lloyd would depend heavily on the Cowboys’ salary cap situation. Dallas traditionally operates with calculated financial discipline, often restructuring contracts to create cap flexibility when targeting high-value additions.

If Lloyd commands a strong market — which is likely for a young, productive linebacker — the Cowboys would need to determine whether the investment aligns with their long-term roster-building strategy.

However, if front-office leadership views linebacker as a pressing need, allocating resources there could be justified.

The Bigger Picture

Free agency is always a chess match. Teams must balance immediate roster needs with future cap health. If the Cowboys pursue Lloyd, it would signal an aggressive and proactive offseason approach — one aimed at closing the gap between playoff contention and championship-level defense.

For now, Aaron Schwartz’s projection adds an intriguing storyline to monitor. Whether the move materializes or not, Dallas’ approach to linebacker will be one of the more compelling subplots of the upcoming free agency period.

As the offseason unfolds, all eyes will be on whether the Cowboys turn prediction into action.