The Washington Commanders struggled at the LB position for many years, until Adam Peters signed a future Hall of Famer in Bobby Wagner, and a soon to be breakout name in Frankie Luvu.
Luvu was a consistent play-maker for the Carolina Panthers before he hit free agency and signed with the Commanders in 2024, but not enough people recognized his talents yet. The payoff for the Commanders was instant with this impact being felt on the field in a diverse amount of ways.
In his first season with the Commanders, Luvu has become a fan favorite, and a household name around the league, and he comes in at number 70 on the NFL Top-100 honors.
Luvu has gained respect from high profile players in the league
The NFL interviewed some notable names for the NFL top-100, and they had nothing but praise for the intense LB. Eagles' OT Lane Johnson paid him the ultimate compliment: "It's fun when you're going against like an extreme competitor. Some guys, you can tell it means a lot to them. He's one of those guys."
Luvu stands out on every play on the field with his passion and intensity whether he's stopping the run, dropping into coverage, or rushing the QB. He's become known as one of the better off the ball linebackers in the league, and can time the snap unlike anyone in the league.
"He's an extremely smart player. A lot of times he's calling out a lot of stuff, tendencies, or things that he sees. . .a lot of times what he's saying is true." said Johnson.
The best is still yet to come for Luvu in Washington
A player's first season on a new team can come with some learning and rough patches, but HC Dan Quinn had a plan for Luvu, and he let him loose. Luvu was a versatile piece on defense, especially when it came to jumping into the backfield, and we can expect an even bigger jump in his second season.
Luvu is likely going to become the leader on defense once Bobby Wagner retires, and in the meantime he can soak up everything he learns from the future Hall of Famer, and fellow NFL top-100 member.
Another offseason for Luvu with more of an understanding and comfortability in Washington's defense, should reap even more benefits for the defense this season. Maybe he can have a fourth straight season with 20+ sacks, and 200+ tackles.
