According to Jeremy Fowler of ESPN, the Panthers are looking to secure a long-term contract for linebacker Frankie Luvu, who is set to become a free agent this offseason. Although the two sides attempted to negotiate a deal last year, they were unable to reach an agreement. Contract discussions are expected to resume between Luvu’s representatives and the Panthers at the upcoming Scouting Combine.
Luvu, who went undrafted in 2018 out of Washington State, earned himself a tryout with the Jets and eventually signed with them. He spent the first few seasons bouncing on and off the roster before being re-signed to an exclusive rights contract in 2020. However, the Jets decided not to tender him as a restricted free agent in 2021, and he later joined the Panthers, agreeing to a two-year, $9 million extension in 2022.
Now, as an unrestricted free agent, Luvu has the opportunity to explore other options in the open market. In the 2023 season, he played in all 17 games for the Panthers, tallying 125 tackles, 5.5 sacks, two forced fumbles, and five recoveries.
