D.J.

Fluker

Fluker joined the Raiders in mid-December after impressing scouts and teams with his newly shredded physique. The former No. 11 pick never suited up for the Raiders, and hasn’t taken a regular season snap since 2023. Now at 33 years old, it’s fair to wonder whether or not Fluker will get another chance to restart his career after being away for so many years.

Fluker has drawn interest from various teams over the last several months. The former No. 11 overall pick has lost over 50 pounds since last suiting up for the Ravens in the 2020 regular season and looked shredded at Alabama’s pro day earlier this year. The Raiders have four games left to go in the regular season. It’s possible they will give him a chance to start at some point in the year to see where he’s at heading into the 2024 offseason. Set to turn 33 next year, it’s possible Fluker has something left to offer if he’s able to stay in playing shape.

Fluker has been trying to make a comeback for the better part of a year. The veteran offensive lineman showed up to Alabama’s pro day earlier this offseason looking shredded and reportedly turned in an impressive workout. He visited with the Jets back in September but wasn’t able to get a contract offer. If he’s able to catch on with the Panthers, they could provide him with enough opportunities to start and show he’s able to contribute beyond the remainder of this season.

Fluker met with the Eagles and Patriots earlier this offseason in hopes of making an NFL comeback. Neither team made him an offer, but the former first-round pick popped up on social media this summer and appeared to be in tremendous shape after shedding roughly 40 pounds. At 32 years old, Fluker could still have something left in the tank if his on-field skills don’t look too diminished. It will be interesting how teams plan to use him should he secure a job.

Fluker also worked out for the Eagles nearly three weeks ago, leaving the visit without a contract offer. He last played a professional snap in 2021 with the Dolphins before eventually being released with an injury settlement. The veteran journeyman and former first-round pick has reportedly shed 40 pounds as he works his way back into game shape towards another bid at making an NFL roster. His 96 starts and 108 appearances have come at both tackle and guard, which could bolster his appeal in free agency.

Fluker, 32, last played in the league in 2021 before being released by the Dolphins with an injury settlement. A former No. 11 overall pick by the Chargers in 2013, Fluker showed up to Alabama’s pro day in April looking like an absolute unit. Appearing to be in far better shape than what we saw in 2021, it’s no surprise to see Fluker drawing interest from teams looking for offensive line depth. We’d expect Fluker to receive a few more workout invites if he doesn’t catch on with the Eagles.

Fluker suffered a meniscus injury at the start of camp that will reportedly sideline him for 3-4 weeks. He most recently made eight starts for the Ravens last year as a below-average option but should still find another home given his veteran status mid-camp.

NFL Network’s Tom Pelissero expects Fluker to be cut loose with an injury settlement. He will reportedly be back to full health in 3-4 weeks. Now a journeyman, Fluker made eight starts for the Ravens last season but was not effective. 2021 will be his age-30 campaign.

Fluker leaves Baltimore after one season in which he got eight starts and played in all 16 regular season games. Fluker, 30, a former first round pick by the Chargers, will add experience to a relatively inexperienced Miami offensive line. He’ll be among the oldest players on the Dolphins’ youthful roster. Pro Football Focus graded Miami’s offensive line as the 12th worst pass blocking unit in 2020.

Baltimore also activated OLB Jaylon Ferguson, DB Iman Marshall and DT Broderick Washington from the list, although Marshall will remain sidelined since he’s still on injured reserve. The others are eligible to play whenever the next Ravens game is. The team also placed Mark Andrews, Matthew Judon, Willie Snead and Terrell Bonds onto the reserve/COVID list ahead of Tuesday night’s pending game against the Steelers.