5 eye-popping Carolina Panthers surprises at their 2022 bye week
By Luke Gray
Frankie Luvu – Carolina Panthers LB
When Haason Reddick was allowed to walk in free agency, this was a huge tick in the box of Frankie Luvu. The former undrafted free agent out of Washington State was brought in ahead of the 2021 season to be mainly a contributor on special teams, but some outstanding displays on the defensive rotation forced the Carolina Panthers into a change of thought.
Luvu became an ace of then-coordinator Chase Blackburn’s unit and in a rotational role on defense. He became the Panthers’ highest-graded player over the season according to Pro Football Focus and got the nod to start at outside linebacker this season as a result.
However, Luvu has been a revelation so far this season, growing into far and away the best linebacker on Carolina’s roster. Making the extension he signed last spring look like a steal.
Through 10 games, Luvu has 74 total tackles, four sacks, one interception and a forced fumble. Both his turnovers in 2022 also resulted in scores to further enhance his overall influence.
In under two seasons on the team, Luvu has already cemented himself as a key piece of this young defense and a building block moving forward for a potential new coach. Something that should ensure he becomes an integral part of Carolina’s plans under Steve Wilks or a new head coach moving forward.