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Former Los Angeles Chargers offensive lineman D.J. Fluker signed a one-year deal with the New York Giants, according to NFL Network’s Mike Garafolo.
OT DJ Fluker agrees to a one-year deal with the Giants, source says. Former 11th overall pick gets a chance to reset his career.
— Mike Garafolo (@MikeGarafolo) March 12, 2017
Fluker was taken 11th overall back in the 2013 draft. During his first two years with the Chargers, Fluker played right tackle before transitioning to right guard in 2015.
In his four-year stint with the Chargers, Fluker simply did not live up to his first-round potential. Struggling in both opening up holes in the run and protecting Philip Rivers in the passing game.
One of the positives of Fluker’s game is his ability to stay on the field. The Chargers and Giants both had injuries along the offensive line last season, Fluker has, and should continue to bring some stability up front.
The Chargers decided to cut ties with Fluker a few days ago rather than pay the hefty $8 million salary he was owed this season. The Giants were probably able to get Fluker for a reasonable contract and one worthy of his past play.
The Alabama product turns 26 in a few days and still has time to prove that he was worthy of that selection, even if it is in another uniform.
On the Chargers side of things, what they are going to do to replace Fluker is still unclear.
Odds are, they find a replacement in the draft or let Spencer Pulley and Donavon Clark battle for the starting spot in camp. Finding a free agent guard at this point would be tough as names like T.J. Lang and Ron Leary already off the market.