Aside from quarterback Jayden Daniels, no player's performance better represented the Washington Commanders' highs and lows over the past two years than linebacker Frankie Luvu.
His first season in Washington was a godsend. Luvu was signed on a bargain after stops with the New York Jets and Carolina Panthers, and he became the heart and soul of the Commanders' defense in 2024. The formidable linebacker had eight sacks, 14 quarterback hits, and was named a second-team All-Pro while helping lead the team to the NFC Championship game.
In 2025, it was a different story.
Luvu was invisible. He was forced to play many of his snaps out of position as an edge rusher due to Washington's laundry list of injuries in the role. His numbers declined to only three sacks and six quarterback hits, and the Commanders won five games.
Now, Luvu is entering the final season of his three-year contract. How do the Commanders deal with him?
Frankie Luvu must prove himself worthy of another Commanders' contract
Kevin Sheehan and Liam Griffin of The Team 980 recently discussed the prospect of signing Luvu to an extension ahead of time this offseason. This take was expectedly met with polarizing responses.
Is this the right time for the Commanders to sign linebacker Frankie Luvu to a contract extension? Kevin Sheehan and Liam Griffin say yes pic.twitter.com/o1pqEw167A
— The Team 980 (@team980) February 3, 2026
The NFL is a "What have you done for me lately?" league, and Luvu's 2025 performance certainly did not justify an extension. He will be 30 years old this time next year. The last thing Washington needs is more greybeards on the defensive side of the ball.
Some will brush off Luvu's struggles as being misused in Dan Quinn and Joe Whitt Jr.'s scheme, but it doesn't excuse everything. Lining up on the edge wasn't why he developed a glaring problem with missed tackles, or why he couldn't help himself from being nothing short of undisciplined on a regular basis.
There is a point to be made that Luvu's value is lower after this past season. The Commanders could sign him for fewer dollars than they'd have to pony up should he bounce back in Daronte Jones' system. Still, make the man earn his money.
Luvu is more likely to be a trade candidate than he is to be extended. In the best of worlds, he gets one more chance and rekindles his 2024 form. But he'll need to play out the season knowing it might be his last one in Washington, which should provide the urgency needed for brighter fortunes.