5 Carolina Panthers players who quietly had great seasons in 2021
By Dean Jones
Frankie Luvu – Carolina Panthers OLB
Acquiring Frankie Luvu in free agency was something of a flyer from the Carolina Panthers. The outside linebacker hadn’t exactly set the world on fire during his time with the New York Jets and there was no real guarantee he would make the 53-man roster shortly before training camp.
To say Luvu made an instant impression would be an understatement. His energy, instincts, and ability to be around the football consistently saw the former Washington State star cement his status and become a key cog on the defensive rotation from Week 1.
This was not an opportunity Luvu wanted to waste. Something that brought some exceptional production when it mattered most to further enhance his overall influence on the roster.
Luvu coped well when installed as the starter and remained a high-impact performer from start to finish. Although his consistency went relatively under the radar for those who don’t follow the team prominently, the second-level defender put himself in an extremely good position once his representatives head to the bargaining table this spring.
Carolina should do everything in its power to keep Luvu around. Providing the price is right, this is the sort of player that’s essential to any hopes of progression in a critical Year 3 of Matt Rhule’s troubled tenure.