The Washington Commanders entered the 2026 offseason, pulling the trigger on upgrading the linebacker position, which is why the Frankie Luvu trade rumors are spread. After letting free agents Bobby Wagner and Von Miller hit the market this offseason, the Commanders signed two of their replacements in Odafe Oweh and Leo Chenal. Washington solidified their unit until they selected Sonny Styles with the No. 7 pick of this year’s draft. A source predicts that the Commanders’ latest moves could implicate the future of Luvu, and it wouldn’t be surprising to see him get dumped.
Meanwhile, this doesn’t mean there is anything wrong with Luvu after he burst as a capable leader of this defense when he joined the Commanders in 2024. Selected as an undrafted rookie in 2018, the former Washington State product began his career with the New York Jets. After barely getting any playing time, he would sign with the Carolina Panthers, where the Commanders saw his potential when the Panthers ended Luvu’s last year, 2-14.
frankie luvu trade rumors
Main Photo: Geoff Burke-Imagn Images
Frankie Luvu Trade Rumors: Massive Logjam Makes $31M All-Pro Expendable
The veteran would later join Washington, where he signed a three-year deal, recording 99 tackles, 8 sacks, 2 fumble recoveries, a forced fumble, 7 pass breakups, and an interception in his first year as a Commander. The linebacker has been known for his physicality and for stopping the run game, especially in the red zone. Even though the Commanders would rather keep him, he’s entering the final year of his contract this season.
It wouldn’t be surprising if the Commanders decide to trade Luvu during the 2026 season to upgrade a needy position. He’s still a starter, so it’d be hard to see the linebacker phased out if it comes to that. Here are three teams keeping tabs on the veteran.
Possible Next Teams
Baltimore Ravens
The Baltimore Ravens entered the offseason losing Dre’Mont Jones to the Patriots while letting an older Kyle Van Noy walk in free agency. Despite the team drafting Zion Young with the No. 45 pick, there’s still a need at the position. Van Noy was a capable leader, but since he’s 35 years old, he poses a risk to this defense that’s getting younger under new leadership, Jesse Minter. The good news is that they signed Trey Hendrickson to a long-term deal that will make them forget about Jones.
However, a hole is still there between Tavius Robinson and Teddye Buchanan. While Buchanan has flashed during the 2025 season, Frankie Luvu is obviously the upgrade. Not only will it strengthen this defensive pass-rush, but the Ravens would have Luvu and Hendrickson on the same team. The Ravens tried to get Hendrickson and Maxx Crosby simultaneously, but it didn’t work out that way.
Indianapolis Colts
Meanwhile, the Colts are in dire need of new veteran leadership. The team traded Zaire Franklin due to salary cap concerns to Green Bay, but they drafted two high-stakes LB’s in CJ Allen and Bryce Boettcher. Still, this defense can’t bet the future on two rookies and lean all of the responsibility on them.
Luvu would become the main ingredient of this defense and something the Colts are looking for. He has a lot of pride in his abilities, and it can awaken this defense to make life easier for QB Daniel Jones to have more time on the field.
Los Angeles Chargers
The Chargers brought back Khalil Mack, but they drafted its possible replacement in Akheem Mesidor. However, this linebacker group hasn’t been too exciting. While Tuli Tuipulotu and Daiyan Henley are highly respected in this unit, why not get someone like Luvu to represent what leadership looks like? It might allow Mack to retire after the 2026 season with ease.