Despite not having played since 2020, D.J. Fluker is considering an NFL comeback. The veteran offensive lineman worked out for the Eagles on Wednesday, according to NFL Network’s Ian Rapoport (via Twitter).
While the former first-round pick didn’t necessarily live up to his drafted expectations, he still put together a solid eight-year stretch in the NFL, starting all 59 of his appearances for the now-Los Angeles Chargers to begin his career before later turning in stints with the New York Giants, Seattle Seahawks (two years) and Baltimore Ravens.
After starting eight of his 16 appearances for Baltimore in 2020, Fluker signed with the Miami Dolphins, but a torn meniscus ultimately led to his release. He was later slapped with a six-game suspension and had brief stints with the Las Vegas Raiders and Jacksonville Jaguars to end the 2021 campaign. The veteran went unsigned for the 2022 season.
When we last saw him in 2020, Pro Football Focus pegged Fluker as an average offensive tackle, favoring his run-blocking ability over his pass-blocking ability. The site was never particularly fond of the lineman’s performance, and they most recently graded him as an above-average player at his position in 2016.
Still, Fluker could make some sense for the Eagles. The Eagles mostly have inexperienced depth behind their starters and Fluker would provide some reinforcement in that regard. Plus, it would not take long to catch him up to speed. He played for OL Jeff Stoutland when the two were at Alabama and he played for head coach Nick Sirianni when the two were in San Diego. Plus, for what it’s worth, reports out of Fluker’s camp indicate that he’s been working nonstop and has lost nearly 40 pounds
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