General manager Adam Peters prioritized the linebacking corps this offseason. The Washington Commanders now have greater strength in depth at the defensive second level, with dynamism and energy that were sorely lacking in 2025.
But for one veteran, it's raised the stakes considerably entering a contract year.
Frankie Luvu burst onto the scene during the 2024 campaign. He was a revelation alongside Bobby Wagner, with both earning second-team All-Pro honors as the Commanders reached the NFC Championship game. But much like the case with everyone else, his influence waned last time around.
Frankie Luvu must fight for contract extension amid Commanders LB strength
Luvu was asked to spend a lot of time on the defensive edge, where he wasn't well-suited. He expressed discomfort with these responsibilities after the season, but the former Washington State standout put the team first. Now, defensive coordinator Daronte Jones is switching him back to his preferred off-ball role, but the new arrivals mean there is real pressure to produce the goods.
Jacob Infante of the Pro Football and Sports Network named Luvu as Washington's player with the most at stake next season. And it's not hard to see why.
He noted Leo Chenal and Sonny Styles as a potential long-term pairing. The analyst also suggested Luvu's chances of getting a new deal in Washington were slim, though a decent-looking contract elsewhere couldn't be ruled out entirely.
The Commanders think highly of Luvu, and they will rely on him heavily next season. But Peters always treats his football decisions with a business-first mindset. Fans got a brutal taste of that with the contract standoff involving wide receiver Terry McLaurin, and the linebacker may suffer a similar fate unless the money works.
Chenal is under contract for three years. Styles, the No. 7 pick in the 2026 NFL Draft, is under contract for four and probably a whole lot longer. Where Luvu fits into this equation remains to be seen, but he'll be doing everything in his power to secure another lucrative commitment from the Commanders.
There is a long way to go and a lot of football to be played before this decision is due. Luvu would have a hot free-agent market if he bounces back next season, which might make it even more difficult to keep him around. He loves being in Washington, so another deal would be hard to turn down. At the same time, this will also be his last chance at another long-term payday.
Luvu needs to perform well, become the undisputed alpha in Wagner's absence, and come through in the biggest moments. Everything should take care of itself after that, but it's still a precarious situation with no definitive answer right now.
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