Commanders' high praise raises excitement around Frankie Luvu

Of all the signings made by the Washington Commanders during one of the most eventful free agencies in recent memory, none could be more impactful than Frankie Luvu. The dominant linebacker turned down an offer to stay with the Carolina Panthers to join this ambitious project, with Dan Quinn's inventive schematic concepts playing a significant part in his decision-making process.

Luvu has an inner fire that cannot be taught. He rose from undrafted obscurity to become one of the league's most explosive second-level enforcers in all phases. His attitude is infectious and makes everyone around him better. This is exactly the sort of tone-setter the Commanders lacked at the linebacker position during Ron Rivera's unsuccessful four-year reign.

Commanders have big plans for Frankie Luvu in 2024

It seems like Luvu has wasted no time in making his presence felt within the building. It was just a small sample size at the team's offseason workouts, but the Washington State product has already left a good impression on perennial All-Pro Bobby Wagner - who'll be alongside him behind the defensive front - based on comments via the team's website.

"I've always watched his game from afar. He's done an amazing job. He's really, really good at getting to the quarterback … I'm excited to start working with him. He's the epitome of a linebacker. He does it all. [He's a] Student of the game, how he goes about his ways and habits, watching film. You can name it all. So, to have him in the building and to work with him, it's just a blessing."

That's high praise from one of the greatest middle linebackers of the modern era. It's also something that jumps out when examining Luvu's on-field production in greater detail.

To say Luvu displays dominant traits would be an understatement. He's a sideline-to-sideline weapon who thrives against the run thanks to supreme instincts and exceptional closing speed. When the time comes to generate havoc in opposing backfields, the veteran is more than capable of rushing from the second level and catching opposing protection schemes by surprise.

Want further proof? Take it from someone who probably knows Luvu better than anyone on Washington's roster right now.

Jeremy Chinn spent the last three seasons playing alongside Luvu with the Panthers. They reunited instantly in Washington after the safety/linebacker hybrid signed a one-year deal that could be worth $5.1 million with incentives. The former second-round selection believes Luvu's high energy and fierce determination are going to make a significant impression from the moment he steps onto the field in a competitive setting.

"Frankie's a dog. They're definitely gonna get somebody who's high energy, somebody who's gonna put his all on the line every single Sunday, every single week."

It's not hard to see why Luvu was a high-priority target for the Commanders and why the player was intrigued about his potential for additional improvements within Quinn's creative system. This looks like a match made in heaven and something that could be mutually beneficial.

It's a scheme that brings the most out of athletic difference-makers - Luvu is one of them in every sense of the term. After the linebacking corps became a proverbial afterthought and a weak link during Rivera's roster building, the Commanders changed that as a matter of urgency.

And make no mistake, they are not going to be pushovers anymore.