3 winners (and 2 losers) from Commanders joint practice with NY Jets

Winner No. 3

Frankie Luvu - Commanders LB

One could have forgiven Frankie Luvu for having extra motivation during joint practices with the New York Jets. This is the place where the linebacker started his NFL career, spending three campaigns at MetLife Stadium. He never quite established himself and was cast aside with little fanfare attached. As it turned out, being discarded became the best thing that ever happened.

Luvu signed a one-year deal with the Carolina Panthers, emerging as a core rotational piece and special teams ace in 2021. This earned the former undrafted free agent a new deal and the promise to start. To say he capitalized on this would be a massive understatement.

After starring for the Panthers over the last two years, Luvu sought out the Washington Commanders as a primary destination in free agency. He thinks Dan Quinn's system can take his game to new heights. Thursday's joint session was another example of the phenomenal attributes the Washington State product brings to the table.

The energetic second-level enforcer was everywhere on defense during scrimmages. Luvu got around the football consistently and created pressure when opportunities arose according to those in attendance. It was an up-and-down day for the unit overall, but he was a constant source of inspiration.

The Jets have to look at Luvu's exceptional emergence into a dominant playmaker with a sense of regret. There was untapped potential they didn't realize. Now those in power must watch the dynamic figure potentially enter the elite category for linebackers under Quinn's exceptional guidance.

This session did nothing to diminish expectations around Luvu heading into the 2024 season. Reporters following the Commanders this offseason confidently claim that he's emerged into the beating heart of Washington's defense already. If the same trend continues in the coming weeks, this could be one of the signings of free agency when it's all said and done.

Superstardom beckons for Luvu. The Commanders are going to reap some hefty rewards if he gets a clear run on the health front.

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