Washington Commanders Coach Dan Quinn Reveals What LB Frankie Luvu Adds to Defense

Commanders head coach Dan Quinn has revealed what free agent signing Frankie Luvu brings to the team's defense.

Jan 7, 2024; Charlotte, North Carolina, USA; Tampa Bay Buccaneers quarterback Baker Mayfield (6) / Jim Dedmon-USA TODAY Sports

General manager Adam Peters wasn’t shy about signing talent to the Washington Commanders this offseason. 

Commanders head coach Dan Quinn has now revealed what the addition of linebacker Frankie Luvu brings to the team’s defense.

Jan 7, 2024; Charlotte, North Carolina, USA; Tampa Bay Buccaneers quarterback Baker Mayfield (6) / Jim Dedmon-USA TODAY Sports

“He's an excellent blitzer,” Quinn said. “He is tough and rugged and all the stuff that, you know, I love about playing tough defense. And so, to add somebody like that into the mix was really important for us. He's an impact hitter, and our team needs more hitters, and the world does. So, it's a good thing for us to see how we can go play this aggressive and style or play, and Frankie definitely represents that.”

Washington fans have a history of loving hitters. One of the most beloved players in franchise history is late safety Sean Taylor, who’s legendary for his aggressive playstyle capable of knocking the wind out of opposing offenses with ease, so Luvo should be embraced by Commanders fans.

Quinn was an instrumental part of another legendary defense, the Legion of Boom, back when he was the defensive coordinator for the Seattle Seahawks when the team won a Super Bowl in 2014. 

Now, Luvu will get to make his presence felt on the field while playing alongside one of the last active Legion of Boom members, future Hall of Famer Bobby Wagner. Last year, Luvu had 125 combined tackles and 5.5 sacks while suiting up for the Carolina Panthers, while Wagner led the league in tackles at 183.

It seems as though Quinn’s Washington defense will be forging an identity driven by physicality. The Commanders’ veteran free agent signings in Luvu and Wagner should be able to set the tone for the rest of the unit, whether that comes from the middle of the field or as an outside linebacker applying pressure to the quarterback.