Los Angeles Chargers: Former OL D.J. Fluker lands with Giants
By Travis Wakeman
Just days after he was released by the Los Angeles Chargers, offensive lineman D.J. Fluker has been signed to a one-year deal by the New York Giants, reports ESPN.
The Chargers saved over $8 million in cap space by cutting ties with the former first-round pick and now, the Giants hope they can help him turn his career around. However, New York isn’t wagering much on that happening by signing him for one year. In essence, Fluker will have to prove that he at least possesses some of the skills that made him a first-round pick. If he can’t, he’ll be looking for a new team following the 2017 season and the market for a player that two teams have quickly given up on isn’t very deep.
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In other words, Fluker will have to be much better in New York than he was with the Chargers.
The Giants feel they have the pieces to contend for a championship, and the chance of winning a Super Bowl was reportedly one of the main reasons wide receiver Brandon Marshall chose to sign with them. Still, Fluker will have to prove he’s even worthy of the starting lineup.
It remains to be seen if the Giants plan to play him at tackle or guard, but the team already has a former first-round pick in Justin Pugh at one guard spot and John Jerry at the other.
Meanwhile, the Chargers have yet to make much of a splash in free agency, as offensive lineman Russell Okung remains the only player Tom Telesco has brought in from outside the organization. As it stands now, Donavon Clark and Spencer Pulley will likely battle it out for the spot once occupied by Fluker.