D.J. Fluker made trips to Charlotte and Las Vegas last week. His Friday trek will end up producing a deal. Fluker, who has not played in a regular-season game since 2020, agreed to terms with the Raiders on Monday, Bleacher Report’s Jordan Schultz reports.
This is likely a practice squad agreement, given Fluker’s time out of the game and the general protocol for in-season veteran additions under this CBA, but it will still represent a comeback opportunity for the former first-round pick. It also will bring a return for the Alabama alum. Fluker enjoyed a short stint on the Raiders’ practice squad in 2021, though he did not finish that season with the team.
Fluker, 32, has been a workout circuit regular this year, auditioning for teams in the offseason and during the regular season. The former Chargers, Giants, Seahawks and Ravens starter has dropped around 50 pounds, according to Schultz. Fluker has lined up as both a guard and a right tackle throughout his career, though that journey hit some speedbumps in 2021.
The NFL levied a six-game suspension shortly after Fluker suffered a meniscus injury that required surgery. The Dolphins released Fluker with an injury settlement in August 2021, and although he caught on with the Raiders and Jaguars later that year, he has not played in a game since the Ravens’ 2020 season. Before that, however, Fluker worked as a starting guard on two playoff-bound Seahawk teams (2018, 2019).
The Chargers drafted Fluker 11th overall in 2013, eventually moving him inside after multiple seasons at tackle. The Bolts exercised Fluker’s fifth-year option in 2016 but cut bait a year later, back when teams could do so before the 2020 CBA made the options fully guaranteed. For his career, Fluker has made 96 starts. Between May and September, Fluker auditioned for the Eagles, Patriots and Jets.
While the Raiders are in the process of planning a coaching search, Fluker could have the opportunity to secure a reserve/futures contract come January. For the time being, the Raiders will see how he looks in upcoming practices.
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