CHARLOTTE — The Panthers brought back an important part of their defense and special teams Thursday, agreeing to a two-year contract extension with linebacker Frankie Luvu.
Luvu was scheduled to be an unrestricted free agent.
The 25-year-old Luvu was signed last offseason after spending his first three years with the Jets.
He was tied for second on the team in special teams tackles, and had a forced fumble and a blocked punt last year. He also added 1.5 sacks, eight tackles for loss, and a forced fumble and fumble recovery on defense.
The Panthers also brought back veteran long snapper JJ Jansen, lending some stability entering the offseason. They still have 20 unrestricted free agents.
Luvu had three fumble recoveries to go with eight tackles for loss, one fumble recovery, 1.5 sacks and a blocked punt.
Frankie Luvu was an emotional leader in 2021, always getting around the ball on defense and special teams.
Frankie Luvu was an emotional leader in 2021, always getting around the ball on defense and special teams.
Frankie Luvu was an emotional leader in 2021, always getting around the ball on defense and special teams.
Frankie Luvu was an emotional leader in 2021, always getting around the ball on defense and special teams.
Frankie Luvu was an emotional leader in 2021, always getting around the ball on defense and special teams.
Frankie Luvu was an emotional leader in 2021, always getting around the ball on defense and special teams.
Frankie Luvu was an emotional leader in 2021, always getting around the ball on defense and special teams.
Frankie Luvu was an emotional leader in 2021, always getting around the ball on defense and special teams.
Frankie Luvu was an emotional leader in 2021, always getting around the ball on defense and special teams.
Frankie Luvu was an emotional leader in 2021, always getting around the ball on defense and special teams.
Frankie Luvu was an emotional leader in 2021, always getting around the ball on defense and special teams.
Frankie Luvu was an emotional leader in 2021, always getting around the ball on defense and special teams.
Frankie Luvu was an emotional leader in 2021, always getting around the ball on defense and special teams.
Frankie Luvu was an emotional leader in 2021, always getting around the ball on defense and special teams.
Frankie Luvu was an emotional leader in 2021, always getting around the ball on defense and special teams.
Frankie Luvu was an emotional leader in 2021, always getting around the ball on defense and special teams.
Frankie Luvu was an emotional leader in 2021, always getting around the ball on defense and special teams.
Frankie Luvu was an emotional leader in 2021, always getting around the ball on defense and special teams.
Frankie Luvu was an emotional leader in 2021, always getting around the ball on defense and special teams.
Carolina Panthers linebacker Frankie Luvu (49) blocks the punt of Minnesota Vikings punter Jordan Berry (3) during the second half of an NFL football game, Sunday, Oct. 17, 2021, in Charlotte, N.C. Carolina Panthers safety Kenny Robinson picked up the ball for a touchdown. (AP Photo/Jacob Kupferman)
Frankie Luvu was an emotional leader in 2021, always getting around the ball on defense and special teams.
Frankie Luvu was an emotional leader in 2021, always getting around the ball on defense and special teams.
Frankie Luvu was an emotional leader in 2021, always getting around the ball on defense and special teams.
Frankie Luvu was an emotional leader in 2021, always getting around the ball on defense and special teams.
Frankie Luvu was an emotional leader in 2021, always getting around the ball on defense and special teams.
Frankie Luvu was an emotional leader in 2021, always getting around the ball on defense and special teams.
Frankie Luvu was an emotional leader in 2021, always getting around the ball on defense and special teams.
Frankie Luvu was an emotional leader in 2021, always getting around the ball on defense and special teams.
Frankie Luvu was an emotional leader in 2021, always getting around the ball on defense and special teams.
Frankie Luvu was an emotional leader in 2021, always getting around the ball on defense and special teams.
Frankie Luvu was an emotional leader in 2021, always getting around the ball on defense and special teams.