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OFFICIAL: Commanders Sign Panthers LB Frankie Luvu to 3-Year Deal

Frankie Luvu is officially moving up the east coast from the Carolina Panthers to the Washington Commanders.

The Washington Commanders are officially adding to their linebacker room.

The Commanders announced that they are signing Carolina Panthers linebacker Frankie Luvu. 

Per ESPN's Adam Schefter, the deal is for three years and is worth $36 million.

Former Carolina Panthers linebacker Frankie Luvu (49) is set to become a member of the Washington Commanders when the new league year begins on Wednesday.

Former Carolina Panthers linebacker Frankie Luvu (49) is set to become a member of the Washington Commanders when the new league year begins on Wednesday.

Luvu, 27, spent his first three NFL seasons with the New York Jets in a reserve role after going undrafted in 2018. In 2021, Luvu signed with the Panthers, where he grew into a starter for the team.

Luvu enjoyed his best season to date with the Panthers in 2023. After starting all 17 games, he recorded a career-high 125 tackles for Carolina. He also recorded 5.5 sacks, a number that only top pass rusher Brian Burns was able to surpass.

Now, Luvu will compete to be the starting middle linebacker for the Commanders and hope to turn things around after being the league's worst defense this past season.

The team currently employs former first-round pick Jamin Davis, but he may end up moving to outside linebacker, playing a similar role that Micah Parsons had with the Cowboys over the past three years.

Luvu's contract can become official when the new league year begins on Wednesday at 4 p.m. ET.