Panthers Linebacker Frankie Luvu Inks Deal With Commanders

Panthers lose a key defensive contributor.

Uce has a new home. 

According to Adam Schefter of ESPN, Frankie Luvu has signed a three-year deal with the Washington Commanders. The maximum value of the deal is $36 million.

Former Panthers LB @frankluvu7 agreed to terms on a 3-year deal with the @commanders for a maximum value of $36 million. The deal was confirmed by agent @blakebaratz at @teamifa.

— Adam Schefter (@AdamSchefter) March 11, 2024

Carolina will feel the loss of Luvu in the heart of their defense. The former New York Jet was a key contributor on the stat sheet. After signing with Carolina in 2021, Luvu racked up 279 tackles, 14 sacks, four forced fumbles, and an interception in 2022. He thrived creating havoc in the defensive backfield as an extra pass rusher on blitzing downs. 

Luvu's piece-de-resistance came in week 8 of the 2023 season when he recorded 12 tackles, two for a loss, two pass breakups and a sack in a 15-13 win over the Houston Texans, earning NFC Defensive Player of the Week.

More than just numbers on a sheet of paper, Luvu was the emotional leader on the field. His relentless energy and chaotic style of play was a bright spot on a team with very few of them. Luvu never took a play off, and even though he was smaller than them, he would gladly take on blockers twice his size to get to the football.

When Dan Morgan talked about players with "dog" mentality in Carolina, many expected Luvu to be a foundational piece in that plan. If anyone defined "dog" in Carolina over the last few seasons, it was the former undrafted free agent who grinded his way into a starring role on Ejiro Evero's defense.

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Morgan and Dave Canales' facelift of the Carolina Panthers roster is underway, and Luvu is the latest casualty of the regime change.