The Washington Commanders needed a forward thinker to turn their free-falling defense around. Head coach Dan Quinn was reportedly looking for someone with previous play-calling experience to replace Joe Whitt Jr., but he went against the grain again, hiring a first-time NFL defensive coordinator instead.
Daronte Jones, who was Brian Flores' right-hand man with the Minnesota Vikings, is the man tasked with rejuvenating the Commanders' defensive fortunes. It's another risk from Quinn, but the payoff could be substantial if everything comes together.
And for one floundering veteran enforcer, Jones' arrival could be the spark that propels his career back to life.
Commanders hiring Daronte Jones could spark Frankie Luvu back to life
Frankie Luvu looked like a superstar during his first season with the Commanders in 2024. The free-agent signing from the Carolina Panthers formed a dynamic linebacker pairing with future Pro Football Hall of Famer Bobby Wagner. Both earned second-team All-Pro honors as Washington made the NFC Championship game.
Luvu's inspirational presence in the locker room was just as important to the Commanders' renaissance. Everything was looking up for the undrafted free agent turned prolific starter. However, things did not go as well this time around.
The Washington State product was forced to spend more time as an edge rusher amid endless injury problems. Luvu did it to help the team, but the veteran later admitted he never felt comfortable. And his influence regressed considerably.
Jones' projected scheme has the scope to help Luvu regain his 2024 form. If he adopts similar concepts to Flores in Minnesota, he'll need explosive linebackers who can get into the backfield quickly on blitzes while also having the versatility to drop back in coverage when required. Having the freedom to be instinctive is also key, which is where the eight-year pro thrives.
More help is coming across the board. The Commanders are expected to bolster all three levels of their defense heavily, and no stone will be left unturned by general manager Adam Peters. But unless there is a significant shift, Luvu will be an integral part of Washington's defensive strategy, with Jones leading the charge.
This is a massive year for Luvu. He's heading into a contract campaign, and an extension beyond that could legitimately go either way right now. A strong bounce-back season will almost guarantee that an offer comes his way. Anything less could see the Commanders go in a different direction.
It's a high-stakes situation for Luvu. But under Jones' leadership and aggressive philosophies, everything is suddenly more promising for someone who was considered the beating heart of Washington's defense just a year ago.