Carolina Panthers keep key special teams, defensive player, from NFL free agency
With less than a month before free agency begins, the Panthers are bringing back one of their most important players.
The Panthers announced Thursday that they have re-signed outside linebacker Frankie Luvu to a two-year contract extension. Luvu, 25, was set to become an unrestricted free agent and was eligible to sign with any team when the new league year begins on March 16.
But the Panthers wanted him back.
He consistently jumped out on film with his effort and knack for making a play.
Luvu, a key special teams player and fan favorite, finished with 43 tackles, 1.5 sacks, eight tackles for loss, a forced fumble, three fumble recoveries and a blocked punt.
His teammates called him Uce, which is Samoan slang for “brother” or “close friend” (Luvu is Samoan).
Before joining the Panthers last year, Luvu played three seasons with the Jets.
The Panthers still have 20 unrestricted free agents, including quarterback Cam Newton, outside linebacker Haason Reddick, and cornerbacks Donte Jackson and Stephon Gilmore.
This story was originally published February 17, 2022 at 10:23 AM.
