5 Carolina Panthers players with big shoes to fill in 2022
By Dean Jones
Frankie Luvu – Carolina Panthers OLB
- Shoes to fill – Haason Reddick
Perhaps it was inevitable that Haason Reddick would depart in free agency after 11 sacks during his one and only season with the Carolina Panthers. Although the financial package he received from the Philadelphia Eagles could have been matched, those in power felt they could survive without handing him a three-year, $45 million deal.
Considering how little the Panthers focused on replacing Reddick, it might indicate a level of confidence in someone like Frankie Luvu to make the most out of additional playing time. The Washington State product received an All-Pro vote from his special teams play in 2021 and also provided a lasting contribution on defense to secure a sensational 84.8 grade from Pro Football Focus.
The Panthers handed Luvu a well-deserved new contract this spring. With Reddick no longer around, there could be a substantial increase in reps coming his way opposite Shaq Thompson at the outside linebacker position providing everything goes to the script in training camp.
Asking Luvu to attain 11 sacks when his career-high stands at three would be pushing it. But if the defender can become a force against the run and continue making impactful plays from a more prominent depth chart spot, that is all the Panthers require.
One thing that won’t ever be questioned is Luvu’s commitment, which is of the highest standard every time he steps onto the gridiron.