D. J. Fluker landing spots: 3 logical fits for the former Miami Dolphins OT
Is D.J. Fluker returnung to the NFL?
The offensive tackle has not been on the field since the 2020 season, when he played for the Baltimore Ravens. In 2021, he signed for three AFC teams (Dolphins, Raiders, and Jaguars), but was cut from each of the practice squads.
He did not see the field at all last season, whether in a game or during practice, but 2023 could mark his comeback if Twitter reporter MLFootball is to be believed:
UPDATE: Former Los Angeles #Chargers first-round offensive tackle D.J. Fluker has drawn interest from multiple #NFL teams and they would like to work him out after his recent workout at the Alabama Pro Day, source says.
@DJTheWarrior76 is expected to have a workout “sometime in… twitter.com/i/web/status/1… https://t.co/KIaYQ8vRba
While he has never been an All-Pro or Pro Bowler for his entire career, Fluker still brings clout as a three-time collegiate champion in Alabama and a one-time All-Rookie Teamer with the Chargers. Here are some teams that could sign him once his workouts conclude.
#3 Chicago Bears
The Bears have arguably one of the best young quarterbacks in Justin Fields, who has proven himself to be a future star. But all that promise will be for naught unless they can protect him from being sacked.
Here is a sad statistic about Fields: he led the league in sacks allowed for a quarterback with 55 (for comparison, the much-maligned Tua Tagovailoa had just 21). He also led the league in fumbles, with 16. Fluker with his credentials should be able to prevent this from happening again.
#2 Kansas City Chiefs
The defending Super Bowl champions have lost Orlando Brown Jr. and Andrew Wylie in free agency, and while they have gained Jawaan Taylor, they could use another big, strong tackle to complement guard Joe Thuney (pictured).
At 6'5" and 330 lbs, Fluker provides more heft than the average KC tackle, which should help Patrick Mahomes as he looks to shrug off the injuries he sustained during the playoffs. While the quarterback eventually powered through to lead the team to victory, he once again has a target on his back (or entire body in this case), so KC may want to rebuild the wall behind him, and Fluker will provide protection in spades.
#1 Miami Dolphins
The Miami Dolphins recently picked up the fifth-year option on quarterback Tua Tagovailoa's contract, even though he had been significantly hampered by a concussion he sustained after being sacked by the Cincinnati Bengals. Now that they have him back, they need to shore up the wall before him.
And luckily for them, Fluker is a familiar face, having suited up for the practice squad in 2021. He was cut just before the preseason began, but with Tagovailoa looking to rebound from a controversial year, Fluker should rejuvenate the offensive line.