Panthers' Devin Lloyd wants to be NFL Hall of Famer, next Luke Kuechly originally appeared on The Sporting News. Add The Sporting News as a Preferred Source by clicking here.Carolina Panthers icon Luke Kuechly will continue the franchise's Pro Football Hall of Fame partyin Canton, Ohio, with his induction Saturday.UDFA quarterback Haynes King ignited the festivities with a walk-off, 5-yard touchdown run as time expired Thursday night, propelling the Panthers to a33-30 victory over the Arizona Cardinals atTom Benson Hall of Fame Stadium. Recognized as a defender with an elite on-field IQ, Kuechly's eight seasons with the Panthers capped a near-continuous chain of dominant linebacking play. The run started with Sam Mills (1995-98) and, following a two-season hiatus, current general manager Dan Morgan (2001-07) took over, before handing the positional baton to Jon Beason (2007-13), who overlapped with Kuechly (2012-19).Since then ...Not much.Last season, Christian Rozeboom served as the top inside linebacker in the 3-4 base defense. In 2024, it was Josey Jewell. In '23, Frankie Luvu.In '26, free-agent signee Devin Lloyd wants to establish a new tradition."There's a lineage of great linebacker play and that's special to be a part of," Lloyd saidfollowing training-camp practice July 26.Pro Football Focus on Friday ranked Lloyd as the NFL's third-best linebacker, behind San Francisco 49ers' Fred Warner and Detroit Lions' Jack Campbell.Lloyd wants to be better. He wants to be the best and, possibly, get his own Gold Jacket.Like Kuechlyon Friday night.Panthers' Devin Lloyd wants to be franchise's next great LBComing off his first Pro Bowl appearance last season, Lloyd inked a three-year, $45 million deal early in the free-agency period, potentially ending the Panthers' seven-season search to adequately replace Kuechly."It's a challenge that I look forward to," Lloyd said during his introductory press conference, per Panthers.com. "It's even better having resources like Dan, like Luke, like TD (Thomas Davis Sr.), guys that are around that I can talk to and get their insight on game film or taking care of my body, recovery, all the above, just having those resources there."But ultimately, when the standard's high and the expectation is high, that's typically a good thing."A 2022 first-round draft pick by the Jacksonville Jaguars, Lloyd collected a career-best 81 combined tackles, seven pass breakups and five interceptions in '25, but wasn't offered a fifth season on his rookie deal. He was targeted by Morgan for his playmaking skills.Among his highlights last season, Lloyd picked off Patrick Mahomes and sidestepped the Kansas City Chiefs quarterback's lunging tackle attempt, en route to a 99-yard interception return for a touchdown.MORE:When is the NFL Hall of Fame ceremony in 2026? Time, TV schedule, channel for Drew Brees, Larry Fitzgerald, moreLloyd, along with most of the Panthers' starters, watched Thursday's preseason-opening thriller from the sidelines. To start a new linebacking tradition with the Panthers, he entered training camp with a plan."For me, it comes down to work ethic, how you treat people and ultimately respecting the game," Lloyd said. "You've got to respect the game and people will see that. And they'll see how you treat people means a lot (and) how you love those around you, it matters."So just being consistent and, and like I said, being myself."Like Kuechly.More NFL news:Panthers QB3 Haynes King's walk-off TD triggers roster spot, $3.1M salaryUDFA QB Haynes King aims to perfect plays anywhere, takes work to Panthers' parking lotJa'Tavion Sanders, Panthers' tight ends seek more productionPanthers' Bryce Young buries defense during NFL training camp practiceNewcomer Cam Gill in game-shape for first Panthers practice in pads