Luvu to join Commanders on 3-year contract

Former Carolina Panthers linebacker Frankie Luvu has agreed to join the Washington Commanders on a three-year contract worth up to $36 million, his agent told ESPN's Adam Schefter.

Luvu spent the last three seasons in Carolina, establishing himself as a breakout star. The 27-year-old has recorded at least 110 tackles, five sacks, four pass breakups, and a forced fumble in each of the last two seasons. He also had a 33-yard pick-6 in 2022.

An undrafted rookie in 2018, Luvu began his career with the New York Jets before joining the Panthers in 2021.

Luvu fills a big need for a Commanders defense that ranked dead last in points and yards allowed in 2023. Washington named former Dallas Cowboys defensive coordinator Dan Quinn its new head coach this year to replace Ron Rivera.

Revamping his defense has been a top priority for Quinn. In addition to Luvu, the Commanders agreed to sign defensive end Dorance Armstrong to a three-year, $45-million deal Monday.