6 burning questions Carolina Panthers fans are asking ahead of Week 5

Frankie Luvu’s breakout season for the Carolina Panthers

Frankie Luvu made the must-keep list, right? – Jack Kilmartin

Yes, Jack. He definitely is. Especially when he just signed a two-year extension this offseason.

The Carolina Panthers have been wanting someone to step up at the linebacker spot this season as the position group was considered somewhat below-average outside of veteran Shaq Thompson. Since the start of the campaign, Frankie Luvu has been playing like one of the league’s best at the second level.

So far this season, Luvu has racked up 25 solo tackles, one forced fumble, and an interception returned for a touchdown this past weekend against the Arizona Cardinals. To put this in comparison to others, the Washington State product had a career-high in solo tackles last season with 26.

Luvu’s impact has been on display in the film room as well. He’s been aggressive but disciplined against the run. His run fits have been great along with his effort and pursuit skills.

Luvu’s coverage skills have also been outstanding. He showed on Sunday why it was not a fond idea to throw the ball in his vicinity.

The former New York Jet has shown to be a valuable piece of the Panthers’ defense. His competitiveness and firey spirit were on display in the fourth quarter during his heated affair with opposing players.

Luvu is a linebacker defensive coordinator Phil Snow values and it would not surprise me if No. 49 receives a contract extension this coming offseason. Not bad for a player who went undrafted five seasons ago.