4 guaranteed home runs from the Commanders' 2024 offseason
By Dean Jones
Commanders signed Frankie Luvu
One of the biggest weak links on the Washington Commanders last season centered on their linebacking corps. This was a group almost cast aside as an afterthought by previous head coach Ron Rivera. Jamin Davis was hung out to dry as the only capable option at the defensive second level. This weak underbelly became a constant source of frustration as a result.
Adam Peters wasn't going to make the same mistake. He made strengthening his linebacker options one of his most pressing needs in free agency. Bobby Wagner's arrival represented a major statement of intent. Another eye-catching signing comes with arguably more intriguing and long-term possibilities.
The Commanders penned Frankie Luvu to a three-year, $31 million deal that included an $11.5 million signing bonus and $19.12 million guaranteed. He was offered an extension to stay with the Carolina Panthers after thriving over recent seasons, but the ferocious figure wanted the chance to see what the future might hold within Dan Quinn's expansive scheme.
This is a home-run hit in every sense of the term. Luvu's energy, explosiveness, and ability to be around the football consistently are exactly what the Commanders need. He's got proven credentials when it comes to generating pressure in opposing backfields when the situation dictates. He's also improving in coverage - making him the complete package and someone integral to Washington's potential success under the new regime.
Luvu's already emerged into the beating heart of this defense over early offseason workouts. If he can pick up some extra tricks of the trade from Wagner - a perennial All-Pro and future first-ballot Pro Football Hall of Famer - entering the elite category is well within his capabilities.
The former undrafted free agent out of Washington State rose from obscurity to carve out a prolific career for himself. Luvu's been nothing short of exceptional over the last two seasons. Looking at the options around him with the Commanders, the player can take the league by storm next season with a clear run of luck on the health front.