Carolina Panthers could lose out on key defensive starter to AFC rival

Though the Carolina Panthers want to keep linebacker Frankie Luvu, the challenge may be difficult.  He will command a contract in the realm of two years, $24 million.  The Panthers will do their best to bring him back. He was an emotional leader on the defense. However, the AFC North-rival Pittsburgh Steelers may be a […]

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Oct 29, 2023; Charlotte, North Carolina, USA; Carolina Panthers linebacker Frankie Luvu (49) reacts in the fourth quarter at Bank of America Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Bob Donnan-USA TODAY Sports
Image via Bob Donnan-USA TODAY Sports

Though the Carolina Panthers want to keep linebacker Frankie Luvu, the challenge may be difficult. 

He will command a contract in the realm of two years, $24 million

The Panthers will do their best to bring him back. He was an emotional leader on the defense. However, the AFC North-rival Pittsburgh Steelers may be a threat to sign Luvu in free agency. 

"The Steelers have been swinging at linebackers for years. Luvu finally gives them a fast, physical, ascending playmaker whose blitzing skills should pair nicely with those of T.J. Watt," CBS Sports writes. 

Luvu does his best work at the line of scrimmage or in the offense’s backfield; while he doesn’t qualify as a liability in coverage, he is far better at rushing the passer and stuffing the run. – A to Z Sports

The Panthers must keep Luvu to remain effective as a defense. His value to the team transcends mere on-file production. Like Brian Burns, Luvu is the heart and soul of the Panthers' defense.