Grading every Carolina Panthers signing of 2021 free agency so far
By Dean Jones
Frankie Luvu – Carolina Panthers LB
- Free-agent signing grade – B-
Every good team needs a guy like Frankie Luvu. He played the game with an infectious enthusiasm that is matched by a fierce will to succeed on the field, which is sure to go down well in Carolina’s young and ever-improving locker room.
Luvu proved to be a solid if not spectacular performer for the New York Jets over a three-year period after going undrafted out of Washington State. While he might not get a starting gig initially, there could be a role for him to play in specific packages and definitely on special teams if he impresses during the preparation process.
Denzel Perryman – Carolina Panthers LB
- Free-agent signing grade – A
Filling the enormous void left by Luke Kuechly was something that Tahir Whitehead failed miserably doing. The second level really suffered when the former Temple star was on the field and things only began to improve once he was removed from the starting lineup in favor of Jermaine Carter, who made an impressive contribution down the stretch after coming out of Matt Rhule’s dog house.
The signing of Denzel Perryman should completely change their fortunes. He is a tremendous athlete who provides a sideline-to-sideline presence that was sorely lacking last time out, with the player’s ability to rush the passer another standout feature to his game that shouldn’t be overlooked.
Perryman is accomplished in the run game and can also hold his own in coverage. So this not only represents a significant upgrade but might also become a long-term solution to a significant problem.