D.J. Fluker - Pro Football Rumors

Minor NFL Transactions: 4/5/24

April 5th, 2024 at 8:03pm CST by Ely Allen

Friday’s only minor NFL move:

Las Vegas Raiders

Released: G D.J. Fluker

Fluker, at one point in time a reliable NFL starter, has not appeared in the NFL since 2020. Now 33 years old, Fluker has spent the past three seasons either on a practice squad or not on an active roster at all. Most recently, after sitting out the 2022 NFL season, Fluker signed with Las Vegas near the end of 2023, rejoining the NFL after an eleven-month hiatus. He signed a reserve/futures contract following the regular season but now returns to the free agent market.

NFL Reserve/Futures Deals: 1/8/24

January 8th, 2024 at 9:24pm CST by Ben Levine

Many teams have started signing players to reserve/futures contracts, allowing organization to retain (routinely) young, practice squad players. Here are the latest reserve/futures contracts:

Arizona Cardinals

WR Andre Baccellia, OL Jackson Barton, WR Kaden Davis, OL Marquis Hayes, RB Tony Jones, TE Bernhard Seikovits, WR Jeff Smith, CB Quavian White

Atlanta Falcons

OL Barry Wesley

Carolina Panthers

RB Mike Boone, RB Spencer Brown, WR Jalen Camp, RB Tarik Cohen, CB Lamar Jackson, TE Jordan Matthews, CB AJ Parker, TE Chris Pierce, WR Cam Sims, OT Badara Traore, DE Raequan Williams

Chicago Bears

LB Micah Baskerville, TE Stephen Carlson, OL Jerome Carvin, DB Adrian Colbert, OL Aviante Collins, DL Michael Dwumfour, DL Daniel Hardy, OL Roy Mbaeteka, OL Bill Murray, WR Nsimba Webster

Cincinnati Bengals

DT Domenique Davis, CB Allan George, C Nate Gilliam, DE Jeff Gunter, LB Shaka Heyward, WR Shedrick Jackson, G Jaxson Kirkland, WR Kwamie Lassiter II, WR Kendric Pryor

Denver Broncos

RB Tyler Badie, QB Ben DiNucci, OT Demontrey Jacobs, S Devon Key, CB Reese Taylor

Indianapolis Colts

LB Austin Ajiake, LB Liam Anderson, WR Tyrie Cleveland, S Marcel Dabo, WR Ethan Fernea, G Arlington Hambright, TE Jordan Murray, RB Zavier Scott, TE Eric Tomlinson

Las Vegas Raiders

DE David Agoha, CB Cornell Armstrong, QB Anthony Brown, OT D.J. Fluker, TE Cole Fotheringham, S Jaydon Grant, DT Marquan McCall, RB Sincere McCormick, OT Jalen McKenzie, TE John Samuel Shenker, DT Nesta Jade Silvera, DE Elerson Smith, DE Charles Snowden, CB Sam Webb, WR Kristian Wilkerson

Minnesota Vikings

LB Abraham Beauplan, G Henry Byrd, OT Coy Cronk, WR N’Keal Harry, WR Trishton Jackson, RB DeWayne McBride, G Tyrese Robinson, WR Thayer Thomas, CB Jaylin Williams, CB Joejuan Williams, G Tyrese Robinson, WR Thayer Thomas

New England Patriots

DE William Bradley-King, LB Joe Giles-Harris, DB Azizi Hearn, DT Trysten Hill, WR T.J. Luther, OT Andrew Stueber, RB Ke’Shawn Vaughn

New Orleans Saints

RB James Robinson

New York Giants

DT Ryder Anderson, OT Yodny Cajuste, DB Kaleb Hayes, WR Dennis Houston, RB Deon Jackson, LB Dyontae Johnson, LB Jeremiah Martin, G Jalen Mayfield, OL Joshua Miles, DB Stantley Thomas-Oliver

New York Jets

OL Obinna Eze, OL Vitaliy Gurman, CB Tae Hayes, DL Manny Jones, RB Jacques Patrick, K Austin Seibert, DL Marquiss Spencer, WR Malik Taylor

Seattle Seahawks

LB Levi Bell, NT Matthew Gotel, RB Bryant Koback, TE Tyler Mabry, S Jonathan Sutherland, WR Cody White, WR Easop Winston Jr.

Tennessee Titans

CB Shyheim Carter, DB Tay Gowan, WR Tre’Shaun Harrison, TE Thomas Odukoya, LB Thomas Rush, G Lachavious Simmons

Washington Commanders

LB Brandon Bouyer-Randle, WR Davion Davis, CB D’Angelo Mandell

Raiders To Sign OL D.J. Fluker

December 11th, 2023 at 3:02pm CST by Sam Robinson

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 the 2020 campaign, agreed to terms with the Raiders on Monday, Bleacher Report’s Jordan Schultz tweets.

This is likely a practice squad agreement, given Fluker’s time away 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 trip 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 over the course of 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. Prior to 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 two 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 free of charge before the 2020 CBA made the options fully guaranteed. Over the course of his career, Fluker has made 96 starts. Between May and September, he 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.

Panthers, Raiders Work Out G D.J. Fluker

December 8th, 2023 at 2:41pm CST by Sam Robinson

D.J. Fluker has not played in three years, most recently showing up as a part-time starter for the 2020 Ravens. The former first-round pick also spent 2022 mostly off the grid; his 2023 appointments have certainly changed that.

After several workouts earlier this year, Fluker finished his week with two auditions. The veteran offensive lineman worked out for the Panthers earlier this week and participated in a Friday tryout with the Raiders, according to Bleacher Report’s Jordan Schultz.

A first-round Chargers selection back in 2013, Fluker has been out of the NFL for nearly two years. He suffered a knee injury during Dolphins training camp in 2021 and was released from the team’s IR with an injury settlement. The NFL then handed the Alabama alum a six-game suspension. That ban and Fluker undergoing meniscus surgery effectively wiped out his 2021 slate, though he did score multiple practice squad deals later that year.

The Raiders gave Fluker that P-squad contract two years ago, signing him that December during Rich Bisaccia‘s run as interim HC. The stint did not last long, however, with Fluker ending up on the Jaguars’ P-squad before season’s end. Neither agreement led to playing time, and Fluker spent 2022 out of the league. Time is running out for the 32-year-old blocker, but he has been busy this year. After working out at Alabama’s pro day, Fluker auditioned for Eagles, Patriots and Jets between May and September.

Injuries have ransacked the Panthers’ guard group. Starters Austin Corbett and Brady Christensen are out for the season, and rookie fill-in Chandler Zavala recently joined them on IR. Carolina already signed Gabe Jackson to its practice squad but is interested in more veteran aid to close out Bryce Young‘s rookie year. The Raiders have both their starters (Dylan Parham, Greg Van Roten) healthy. Third-year UDFA Jordan Meredith resides as a backup, with Jermaine Eluemunor having played both tackle and guard for the team during his tenure.

Prior to his multiyear hiatus, Fluker started 96 career games at guard and right tackle. The Chargers cut the cord on his fifth-year option in 2017, back when teams could pick up options and cut the player (before the 2020 CBA made the fifth years fully guaranteed). Fluker then played for the Giants, Seahawks and Ravens, starting for two Seattle playoff teams during his post-San Diego years.

AFC East Notes: Dolphins, Jets, Thornton

September 14th, 2023 at 1:21pm CST by Sam Robinson

The 2019 draft produced several long-running partnerships between defensive tackles and the teams that chose them in the first round. Four of the six DTs selected in Round 1 that year signed extensions this offseason. Quinnen Williams, Ed Oliver, Dexter Lawrence and Jeffery Simmons have new deals in hand. Jerry Tillery did not work out for the Chargers, but he was the only first-round DT from the ’19 class not to negotiate an extension this offseason. Christian Wilkins spent months discussing a deal with the Dolphins, but the sides have tabled matters to 2024, when the former No. 13 overall pick will be on the cusp of free agency.

Guarantees represented a sticking point for Wilkins, but Barry Jackson of the Miami Herald offers that the Dolphins appeared to be skittish about authorizing a Williams-level deal for a player without much in the way of sack production. Wilkins’ camp undoubtedly pushed for terms in the Williams-Lawrence-Simmons-Daron Payne neighborhood ($22.5-$24MM per year), as the Clemson alum led all DTs with 98 tackles last season. Wilkins, who produced 89 tackles in 2021, has never topped 4.5 sacks in a season. He has also eclipsed seven QB hits in just one of his four NFL slates (13 in 2021). Wilkins has not requested a trade, per Jackson, and the Dolphins — despite trade interest emerging — are not interested in moving him.

The Dolphins will have the option of franchise-tagging Wilkins next year. The Commanders used the tag as a bridge to a Payne deal, but the D-tackle tag number will likely come in north of $20MM in 2024. The Dolphins are currently projected to be $27MM over the cap next year (29th in the league), though much will obviously change between now and then. Here is the latest from the AFC East:

It would make sense if right guard Robert Hunt was in the Dolphins’ extension plans, but the contract-year blocker said (via Jackson) he is not aware of any talks transpiring. Hunt joins a few notable guards on track to become 2024 free agents. Jonah Jackson (Lions), Damien Lewis (Seahawks) and Michael Onwenu (Patriots) are also multiyear starters in the final year of their rookie deals. Only Jackson has been known to have held extension talks with his respective team.
Carl Lawson is expected to make his 2023 debut in Week 2, Robert Saleh said (via the New York Post’s Brian Costello). The veteran defensive end missed most of training camp due to back tightness, and the Jets held him out of their Week 1 Bills matchup. Lawson, who took a pay cut this offseason, totaled seven sacks and 24 QB hits (both totals second among Jets) last season.
The Jets also worked out a few offensive linemen this week. Cameron Erving, Dennis Kelly, D.J. Fluker and Rashaad Coward auditioned for the team, Field Yates of ESPN.com tweets. None have joined the squad. The Jets have Billy Turner and Max Mitchell slotted as their backup tackles. Rookie fourth-rounder Carter Warren is on short-term IR. Starters Duane Brown and Mekhi Becton, who each spent their offseason rehabbing injuries, logged limited practices Wednesday.
Tyquan Thornton is starting a second straight season on IR, but the Boston Herald’s Doug Kyed notes the Patriots do not expect the 2022 second-rounder to miss much time. A shoulder injury sent Thornton to IR. That said, Thornton was not pushing to be a starter during his second training camp. The Baylor product, who suffered a broken collarbone during his first NFL camp, was likely “significantly” behind JuJu Smith-Schuster, Kendrick Bourne and DeVante Parker before his latest injury, Kyed adds.
Mike McDaniel said (via Jackson) special teams duty led to third-round rookie Devon Achane being a healthy scratch in Week 1. Raheem Mostert, Salvon Ahmed and rookie UDFA Chris Brooks, who holds a bigger ST role than Achane, were Miami’s active backs in their Week 1 win.
The draft choice the Patriots sent to the Vikings for O-lineman Vederian Lowe is the Raiders’ 2024 sixth-rounder, Mike Reiss of ESPN.com tweets. New England acquired that pick in exchange for O-lineman Justin Herron last summer.

Patriots To Host OL D.J. Fluker

June 12th, 2023 at 9:49am CST by Adam La Rose

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 (Twitter link).

The Patriots have a number of veteran options available at the tackle spot, with Trent Brown and free agent additions Riley Reiff and Calvin Anderson in place. Each of those three have experience at both the left and right tackle spots, 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 on the free agent market. 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 today’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.

Eagles Worked Out OL D.J. Fluker

May 25th, 2023 at 9:21pm CST by Ben Levine

Despite not having played since 2020, D.J. Fluker is considering a comeback. The veteran offensive lineman worked out for the Eagles yesterday, according to NFL Network’s Ian Rapoport (via Twitter).

While the former first-round pick didn’t necessarily live up to his draft stock, he still put together a solid eight-year stretch. He started all 59 of his appearances for the Chargers to begin his career, and he later had stints with the Giants, Seahawks (two years), and Ravens.

After starting eight of his 16 appearances for Baltimore in 2020, Fluker signed with the Dolphins, but a torn meniscus ultimately led to his release. He was later slapped with a six-game suspension, and he had brief stints with the Raiders and Jaguars to end the 2021 campaign. The veteran remained 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, so Fluker would provide some reinforcement in that regard. Plus, it wouldn’t 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.

NFL Workout Notes: Giants, Campbell, Edwards, Neal, Carter, Fluker

March 25th, 2023 at 3:44pm CST by Ely Allen

As the initial surge of free agency has died down a bit, there are still several assets available on the market. The Giants have been fairly active in free agency and have had quite a few free agents visit for evaluations.

After allowing starting center Jon Feliciano to depart for San Francisco in free agency, the team decided to kick the tires on center J.C. Hassenauer, according to Jordan Raanan of ESPN. The former Steeler has some starting experience and would add some depth and competition behind Ben Bredeson.

The team also decided to check out a potential depth piece for the secondary in former Vikings cornerback Kris Boyd, according to Darren Wolfson of 5 Eyewitness News in Minnesota. Boyd was able to provide some defensive depth as a seventh-round draft pick out of Texas for the Vikings, but his true value in Minnesota came on special teams, an added benefit that should help him find a roster spot moving forward.

If you thought the Giants had enough receivers, they clearly don’t agree as they reportedly hosted former Raiders and Falcons wideout Bryan Edwards, according to Jordan Schultz of theScore. Edwards barely played last year after getting traded to Atlanta and signing to the Chiefs’ practice squad, but he gets a chance to compete for serious snaps in New York. The Giants have a bevy of wide receivers but lack any sure-handed starters. The team returns Darius Slayton, Isaiah Hodgins, Wan’Dale Robinson, Sterling Shepard, David Sills, and Collin Johson but has added Parris Campbell, Jamison Crowder, and Jeff Smith in free agency. It looks like a collection of strong No. 3 and 4 receivers that lacks the talent of a strong No. 1 or 2. This provides Edwards a window to perform well and earn playing time.

Lastly, according to ESPN’s Field Yates, the team hosted linebacker Justin Hollins, who started five games for the Rams last year. Hollins would be another potential depth piece for the Giants’ defense.

Here are a few other workout rumors from around the league:

After getting released by the Ravens for cap purposes, the former “Mayor of Sacksonville” could be poised for a return to the Jaguars. According to Demetrius Harvey of the Florida Times-Union, defensive lineman Calais Campbell visited his former team this past week. After an earlier visit with the Falcons, the veteran also has future visits planned with the Bills and Jets, according to Tiffany Blackmon of 92.9 The Game.
The Seahawks may be looking to replace some defensive line depth after losing defensive end L.J. Collier to free agency. Seattle hosted veteran defensive end Mario Edwards earlier this week, according to Yates. Edwards is looking to join potentially his sixth franchise since entering the league. He started seven games for the Titans last year.
After losing safety Marcus Epps to free agency, the Eagles continue to look at safety options. Philadelphia hosted safety Keanu Neal earlier this week, according to Yates. Unfortunately for Neal, the team signed former Steelers first-round pick Terrell Edmunds yesterday, adding him to the addition of Justin Evans. Neal has experience playing linebacker, though, which may afford him an additional chance to make a roster as free agency continues.
While the wide receiver waters have been fairly stagnant, former Chargers wideout DeAndre Carter‘s market is starting to heat up. After a career year, the 29-year-old visited the Raiders yesterday, according to Schultz. The Raiders have added Jakobi Meyers, Phillip Dorsett, and Steven Sims after losing Mack Hollins. Carter would likely be competing for WR3 snaps behind Davante Adams and Meyers.
Offensive lineman D.J. Fluker, who last appeared in an NFL game in 2020 with the Ravens, is seeking a return to the NFL. Fluker spent 2021 on three different teams’ practice squads, but after getting released from the Jaguars’ on New Year’s Eve 2021, he has remained a free agent for over a year. According to Mike Garafolo of NFL Network, Fluker worked out at Alabama’s pro day this year with top prospects Bryce Young and Will Anderson. The workout drew some attention from NFL teams and could help Fluker make it back to the league.

Minor NFL Transactions: 1/1/22

January 1st, 2022 at 4:56pm CST by Ely Allen

The first minor moves of 2022:

Arizona Cardinals

Activated from IR: LB Tanner Vallejo
Promoted: DL Josh Mauro, CB Kevin Peterson, TE David Wells, CB Jace Whittaker

Atlanta Falcons

Promoted: TE Parker Hesse, WR Austin Trammell, DB Luther Kirk, DB Lafayette Pitts, DE Nick Thurman

Baltimore Ravens

Promoted: OT David Sharpe, DB Robert Jackson, DB Tony Jefferson, T Jayrd Jones-Smith
Placed on IR: OLB Daelin Hayes

Buffalo Bills

Promoted: DT Eli Ankou

Carolina Panthers

Promoted: DE Austin Larkin, RB Spencer Brown, CB Madre Harper, OL Mike Horton, TE Stephen Sullivan, TE Colin Thompson

Cincinnati Bengals

Promoted: CB John Brannon, QB Jake Browning, WR Trent Taylor

Dallas Cowboys

Activated from IR: WR Noah Brown
Promoted: S Darian Thompson

Denver Broncos

Activated from IR: OLB Andre Mintze
Promoted: S Ha Ha Clinton-Dix, T Quinn Bailey, T Drew Himmelman, DE Marquiss Spencer, DE Jonathan Harris, LB Barrington Wade, WR Rico Gafford, CB Rojesterman Farris, RB Damarea Crockett, WR Seth Williams, WR Travis Fulgham

Detroit Lions

Promoted: LB Tavante Beckett, G Parker Ehinger, DE Bruce Hector, WR Javon McKinley, TE Ross Travis

Green Bay Packers

Promoted: DL Abdullah Anderson, WR David Moore

Houston Texas

Promoted: WR Jalen Camp, OT Jordan Steckler, CB Cre’Von LeBlanc, RB Jaylen Samuels, WR Jordan Veasy, DT Michael Dwumfour, LB Josh Watson

Indianapolis Colts

Promoted: LS Kyle Nelson, CB Will Redmond, QB Brett Hundley, DT Chris Williams
Released: T Greg Senat, C Joey Hunt

Jacksonville Jaguars

Promoted: CB Lorenzo Burns, DT Doug Costin, WR Jeff Cotton, RB Nathan Cottrell, OL D.J. Fluker, DB Michael Jacquet, S Bradley McDougald, OL Badara Traore, OL Tre’Vour Wallace-Simms

Kansas City Chiefs

Activated from IR: RB Jerick McKinnon

Las Vegas Raiders

Promoted: S Jordan Brown, C Hroniss Grasu, WR Tyron Johnson, DT Damion Square

Los Angeles Chargers

Promoted: LB Cole Christiansen, TE Hunter Kampmoyer

Los Angeles Rams

Signed: WR J.J. Koski
Promoted: CB Grant Haley, WR Brandon Powell

Miami Dolphins

Activated from IR: LB Brennan Scarlett
Promoted: WR Kirk Merritt, C Cameron Tom, DB Chris Milton

Minnesota Vikings

Promoted: DT T.Y. McGill, DE Eddie Yarbrough, S Myles Dorn, CB Tye Smith, DE Kenny Willekes

New England Patriots

Promoted: DL Daniel Ekuale, DB D’Angelo Ross, WR Kristian Wilkerson
Reverted from Designated to Return back to IR: LB Harvey Langi

New Orleans Saints

Promoted: WR Kawaan Baker, C Will Clapp, G Forrest Lamp, DB Bryce Thompson

New York Giants

Promoted: WR Alex Bachman, DT Woodrow Hamilton, WR Pharoh Cooper, OT Derrick Kelly, DT David Moa, WR David Sills

New York Jets

Promoted: DL Ronnie Blair, TE Dan Brown, CB Lamar Jackson, WR D.J. Montgomery

Philadelphia Eagles

Promoted: DE Cameron Malveaux, LB JaCoby Stevens

Pittsburgh Steelers

Signed: LB Tegray Scales (from Bengals’ practice squad)

San Francisco 49ers

Promoted: TE Tanner Hudson, LB Mark Nzeocha, LB Curtis Robinson
Released: RB Brian Hill

Seattle Seahawks

Activated from IR: OT Jamaro Jones
Promoted: CB Michael Jackson, S Josh Jones, LB Edmond Robinson
Placed on IR: OLB Jon Rhattigan

Tampa Bay Buccaneers

Promoted: RB Kenjon Barner, WR, Cyril Grayson, P Sterling Hofrichter, LB Elijah Ponder

Washington Football Team

Promoted: DE William Bradley-King, LB De’Jon Harris, CB D.J. Hayden, S Jeremy Reaves, RB Wendell Smallwood, G Deion Calhoun, P Ryan Winslow
Released: WR Antonio Gandy-Golden

NFL Practice Squad Updates: 12/31/21

December 31st, 2021 at 12:58pm CST by Zachary Links

Today’s taxi squad moves:

Denver Broncos

Signed: DB Rojesterman Farris, DL Carlo Kemp

Indianapolis Colts

Signed: LS Kyle Nelson
Released: DT Da’Shawn Hand

Jacksonville Jaguars

Signed: OL D.J. Fluker, S Bradley McDougald

New Orleans Saints

Signed: C Cohl Cabral