According to an NFL analyst, the Philadelphia Eagles are expected to acquire a skilled free agent from the Carolina Panthers during the offseason. However, it won’t be the one that is commonly speculated. Although linebacker Brian Burns is highly regarded as the Panthers’ top player with 46 sacks, eight forced fumbles, and two Pro Bowl selections, it is actually his teammate Frankie Luvu who leads the team in tackles.
Last season, Luvu topped the team with 125 tackles and has amassed 279 tackles (168 solo) since joining in 2021, surpassing Burns by 116 tackles. However, Burns has more career sacks due to his role as an edge defender in Carolina’s system. ESPN’s Aaron Shatz suggests that the Eagles could target Luvu in the offseason.
Perhaps the Eagles will invest in Luvu with a generous contract, as he offers versatility in playing off the ball or off the edge. This would provide flexibility for the next defensive play-caller in Philadelphia.
Philadelphia’s patchwork approach to the linebacker position proved disastrous in 2023. Nakobe Dean, a third-round pick in 2022, struggled in five games as a starter before being sidelined with a Lisfranc injury. Additionally, Shaquille Leonard did not impress as a midseason addition to the roster.
Regrettably for Eagles supporters, the Panthers’ management is well aware of Luvu’s worth. Carolina attempted to renew his contract last year, and as per ESPN’s Jeremy Fowler and Dan Graziano, the new general manager (and former Panthers linebacker) Dan Morgan is keen on retaining Luvu for 2024.
Spotrac.com predicts that Luvu may receive a four-year deal with an annual salary of $11.2M. Although no Eagles linebacker had a cap hit of more than $6.9M in 2023, the team has a projected $20.8M in cap space for 2024 and a significant void at the position. As a result, Luvu may be the Eagles’ top priority when free agency commences on March 13.
