Six-year veteran linebacker Frankie Luvu has signed a new contract with the Washington Commanders. Luvu, a former undrafted free agent, spent the 2023 season with the Carolina Panthers but has also played for the New York Jets.
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
Frankie Luvu, Washington Commanders, Agree to Contract
While the 2023 Carolina Panthers had a season to forget, Frankie Luvu was one of the few bright spots on the roster. Starting and appearing in all 17 games, the linebacker finished his season with 5.5 sacks, a career-high 125 tackles, 10 tackles-for-loss, 11 quarterback hits, and two forced fumbles. Even though Carolina finished with the worst record in the league, the defense held up their end of the bargain, and Luvu’s high play was a big reason for the success.
Frankie Luvu originally entered the league as an undrafted free agent following the 2018 NFL Draft. Signing with the New York Jets, the Washington State product faced the difficult task of trying to win a roster spot as an unheralded prospect. While he didn’t make the Week 1 roster, he only had to spend a week on the practice squad before earning a spot on the active roster. In total, Luvu appeared in 14 games while recording three sacks, 22 tackles, five tackles-for-loss, and 11 quarterback hits.
After spending the next two seasons as a backup in New York, Frankie Luvu signed a new one-year contract with the Carolina Panthers. Originally signed to be a depth option and special teamer, Luvu earned a role on the defense as the season progressed. He turned this promising display into a two-year extension, and it turned out to be a wise investment for the Panthers.
Frankie Luvu had the best season of his career in 2022. Starting in 14 games while making 15 appearances, the former undrafted free agent ended the season with one interception, seven sacks, 111 tackles, 19 tackles-for-loss, and nine quarterback hits.
Main Photo: Jim Dedmon – USA Today Sports
