5 Panthers who’ve blown away expectations at the 2021 midseason point
By Dean Jones
Frankie Luvu – Carolina Panthers OLB
The Carolina Panthers clearly got more than they bargained for with Frankie Luvu. His arrival in free agency from the New York Jets didn’t come with any guarantee he’d make the roster, but an outstanding start to his career with the franchise has propelled the outsider linebacker into a key piece of the rotation.
Luvu is already a popular member of the locker room and is loved by the team’s fanbase. This is down in no small part to his ability to come up with big plays and the enthusiastic approach demonstrated on almost every down.
Whether it’s generating pressure, assisting in the run game, or even making a difference on special teams, Luvu’s done it all so far. Certainly enough to suggest a longer-term commitment could be coming his way providing the money is right for both parties.
Want further proof of how well Luvu is performing? Look no further than his exceptional 87.6 grade from Pro Football Focus.
This is all hugely positive for Luvu, who went back to a rotational role in Week 8 at the Atlanta Falcons when Shaq Thompson made his welcome return to the lineup. However, one cannot argue how important the Washington State product is to the team’s fortunes this season.