The New York Jets have confirmed the signing of linebacker Frankie Luvu, marking a significant acquisition for their defense. Luvu, who previously played for the Washington Commanders, re-joins the Jets—the team that first gave him his NFL start as an undrafted free agent in 2018. His return comes after a surprising release from the Commanders during the 2024 season, despite being one of the league’s more productive linebackers in recent years.
Luvu has made a name for himself as a tenacious and versatile linebacker. After a strong stint with the Carolina Panthers, where he earned second-team All-Pro honors in 2024 by racking up 99 tackles and 8 sacks, he signed a lucrative three-year, $31 million deal with Washington. Expectations were high when he joined the Commanders, and early on, he seemed to be living up to them. In 2023, he recorded a career-high 125 tackles and 5.5 sacks, making him one of the team’s defensive standouts.
However, Washington made several surprising roster moves during the 2024 season, including the release of fellow linebacker Jamin Davis. Luvu’s release followed soon after, though the team has not officially disclosed the reason for parting ways with the linebacker. Speculation ranges from salary cap considerations to schematic changes under new coaching leadership. Still, for many fans and analysts, letting go of such a productive and hard-working player raised eyebrows.
For the Jets, however, Luvu’s availability proved to be an opportunity too good to pass up. His aggressive play style, versatility across linebacker spots, and leadership make him a valuable addition to a defense looking to take the next step. Under head coach Robert Saleh, known for his defensive acumen, Luvu could thrive and become a central figure in the Jets’ front seven.
Luvu’s story off the field is just as compelling as his on-field performance. Born in American Samoa, he became a U.S. citizen in 2023—a move he said was largely driven by his desire to sponsor his parents for citizenship. His journey from undrafted rookie to All-Pro and now a key signing for the Jets is a testament to his perseverance, work ethic, and heart.
With the Jets aiming to make a deep playoff push and their defense already featuring stars like Quinnen Williams and Sauce Gardner, the addition of Luvu adds more firepower to an already promising unit. Fans are hopeful that this reunion will prove beneficial not just for the team, but for Luvu’s career as well.
In a league where defensive consistency is key, bringing in a proven, high-motor linebacker like Luvu is a bold and promising move by the Jets. As the 2025 season unfolds, all eyes will be on how this partnership unfolds—and whether Luvu can once again become one of the league’s most feared linebackers.
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