:format(webp)/cdn.vox-cdn.com/uploads/chorus_image/image/53577253/502400782.0.jpg)
We are on the edge of Free Agency, the Chargers have what in reality is 0 cap space to work with, therefore, cuts are coming.
They have started early this morning with a move that should be a surprise to nobody, D.J. Fluker is to be released.
Chargers releasing former first-round draft choice D.J. Fluker, per source. One more good OL added to free-agent crop. Plays T/G.
— Adam Schefter (@AdamSchefter) March 7, 2017
Cutting Fluker frees up $8.821 million in cap space, with no dead money. This was the biggest (realistic) move the team could make to free up space. That $8.821 million would have made Fluker the 4th highest paid Guard in the NFL, and he does not play like the 4th best guard in the NFL.
The former 11th overall pick should be able to find work with another team, and if not could possibly even come back to the Chargers on a more cap friendly deal, however I wouldn’t expect that to happen.
Fluker now joins the 2017 FA class and becomes only the 2nd player since the new Collective Bargaining Agreement to have his 5th year option picked up, but then released before it became guaranteed.
Good luck to the big man. He toughed it out through injuries for this team and by all appearances is just a great guy.