The Washington Commanders didn’t make many long-term commitments in free agency. Adam Peters signed several stars to one-year, prove-it deals during the first offseason of his extensive rebuilding project. However, a few also got lengthier deals to be part of the franchise’s exciting plans for the future.

None could be more impactful than Frankie Luvu. The dynamic linebacker turned down an extension from the Carolina Panthers after emerging as a defensive star over the last two seasons. He felt linking up with head coach Dan Quinn and being part of his creative schematic alignments could help him enter the elite category. That’s a high bar for which to aim, but nothing he isn’t more than capable of.

That’s something money can’t buy. Luvu gets the chance to take his game up a notch under Quinn’s exceptional guidance. He’ll also get the opportunity to learn and play alongside Bobby Wagner, one of the game’s greatest-ever linebackers who achieved a career-high in tackles with the Seattle Seahawks in 2023.

This partnership has the scope to provide a much-needed spark to the defensive second level. Luvu comes highly recommended, with one of his former coaches and ex-Washington star giving the former undrafted free agent a glowing reference following his high-profile switch.

Commanders linebacker Frankie Luvu got a glowing reference from DeAngelo Hall

DeAngelo Hall, who enjoyed a standout 10-year stint in the nation’s capital, is making his way through the coaching ranks as defensive backs coach with the Panthers. He has nothing but good things to say about Luvu when speaking to ex-teammate London Fletcher based on comments via Fan Nation.

He said, ‘Fletch, you’re going to love him. You are absolutely going to love him. He is my type of player, he is our type of player.’ He really sets the tone,” Fletcher shared. “Just looking at the tape, him as a blitzer, he was their best pass rusher and best blitzer for the Panthers last year. And that’s one of the elements he brings to this defense. The physical intensity.London Fletcher via Fan Nation

This only raises optimism further about what Luvu might be capable of. He’s gone from being cast aside by the New York Jets to one of the league’s most underrated linebackers in three years. The Washington State product will be the beating heart of the Commanders’ defense from the moment he steps onto the field – a physical, energetic presence they sorely lacked during Ron Rivera’s four years at the helm.

Having players like Luvu and Wagner to lean on is going to make everyone better. There are concerns about the edge rushing depth and outside cornerback options. However, everyone can relax safe in the knowledge the team’s linebacking corps will be much improved.

Luvu got a three-year, $31 million deal with a $11.5 million signing bonus and $19.12 million guaranteed this offseason. If the Tafuna (American Samoa) High School product takes another leap forward under improved coaching in a scheme that suits his strengths, this has bargain written all over it.

There aren’t many sure things when it comes to NFL transactions. Looking at early impressions and the esteem in which he is held by coaches and players alike, Luvu looks like one of them.