Frankie Luvu is considered to be one of the top, if not the top linebacker free agent on the market. The goal for the Carolina Panthers is to get something done relatively soon, eliminating any chance of Luvu bouncing for an opportunity elsewhere.
Tuesday afternoon, Panthers GM Dan Morgan affirmed his interest in keeping the 27-year-old linebacker in the Carolinas.
"We have all intentions on re-signing Frankie. We love Frankie. He embodies what a Panther is. He's tough. He's got that dog mentality that we've talked about. Nothing's guaranteed in this league, but we are going to try to extend him."
Over the last two seasons combined, Luvu has totaled 236 tackles, 29 tackles for loss, 20 QB hits, 12.5 sacks, nine passes defended, three forced fumbles, and an interception.
Re-signing fellow linebacker Brian Burns to a long-term deal is No. 1 on the team's priority list, but it feels like the franchise tag is coming. After Burns, the attention turns to Luvu. If they are able to keep both apart of this defense for the long haul in addition to defensive lineman Derrick Brown, the Panthers have the nucleus of a Super Bowl-caliber defense.
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