USA TODAY Sports

Much of the attention in Carolina this offseason will be the contract negotiations with pass rusher Brian Burns and how the team will go about improving the offensive line and wide receiver room.

However, linebacker Frankie Luvu is a key piece to the Panthers' defense and is set to hit free agency next month. 

This past season, Luvu set a single season career high in tackles (125) and QB hits (11) while also registering 10 tackles for loss and 5.5 sacks. Keeping Luvu in the fold will be crucial but anytime you're talking about a player of his caliber hitting the open market, there will be other suitors.

Matt Bowen of ESPN listed the Arizona Cardinals as the "best fit" for Luvu, who he ranks as the 42nd-best free agent

"The Cardinals need more production at the linebacker spot in Jonathan Gannon's defense, and they'll get the opportunity with Luvu headed to free agency. Luvu posted career-best numbers with the Panthers last season, with 125 tackles and 5.5 sacks. He fits here as an off-ball linebacker who can track the edges in the run game and get home on schemed blitzes."

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