The Patriots already have one high-profile free agent visit scheduled for this week, but DeAndre Hopkins is not the only veteran the team will take a look at. New England is hosting offensive lineman D.J. Fluker on Monday, per Jordan Schultz of the Score.
The Patriots have a number of veteran options available at the tackle spot, with Trent Brown, Riley Reiff and Calvin Anderson in place. Each of those three have experience at both left and right tackle, so much is yet to be determined with respect to where they will line up this season and how the pecking order shakes out.
Fluker could factor into New England’s tackle competition if he were to land a roster spot in time for training camp. The 32-year-old last played in 2020, but has made a push to return to NFL action this offseason. Schultz notes that Fluker dropped 40 pounds recently, which has no doubt played a part in the interest he has received. The Eagles hosted him earlier this offseason.
The former first-rounder put up fairly consistent performances in terms of PFF evaluation throughout his career. Fluker bounced around after the conclusion of his rookie contract, though, spending time with the Giants, Seahawks, Ravens, Dolphins, Raiders and Jaguars. New England would represent another team on that list, but their uncertainty up front could yield competition for playing time.
The Patriots saw Isaiah Wynn depart in free agency, leaving either an opening on the blindside or at the RT spot if Brown remains on the left side, where he was in 2022. Fluker could look to play his way into at least a backup role in New England if Monday's workout goes well, as he looks to find a footing in the NFL once again and the Patriots aim to sort out their best pairing at tackle for the season.
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