There are several areas the Carolina Panthers need to address this offseason, many of which reside on the offensive side of the football. The defense played well above expectations, finishing 3rd in total yards allowed per game, but two key cogs - Brian Burns and Frankie Luvu - are set to hit free agency this offseason.
According to Jeremy Fowler of ESPN, "The Carolina Panthers are expected to try to re-sign do-it-all linebacker Frankie Luvu. Both sides discussed a potential deal last summer and didn't agree, but those talks could heat up around the combine."
In 17 games this past season, Luvu totaled 125 tackles, 11 QB hits, 10 tackles for loss, 5.5 sacks, five passes defended, and two forced fumbles.
Luvu is one of the unquestioned leaders on the Panthers' defense and is one of their top playmakers - he's a true disrupter. If Luvu were to walk in free agency it would create a huge hole in the defense. The existing linebacker depth is nothing to write home about, so the Panthers would have to go out and find his replacement in free agency or via trade.
Related: What Could a Frankie Luvu Contract Look Like?
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