Former offensive lineman D.J. Fluker, who last played in the NFL in 2020, caught attention by joining the Las Vegas Raiders before Week 15, despite his hiatus from the field. Bleacher Report’s Jordan Schultz reported on December 11, 2023, that Fluker, a former first-round pick, had signed with the Raiders after a recent workout, noting that he had shed around 50 pounds and was in excellent physical condition.
During his time with the Seattle Seahawks from 2018 to 2019, Fluker played a significant role, making 23 starts for the team in the Pacific Northwest, which might resonate with Seahawks fans. He began his NFL journey with the Chargers, spending his initial four seasons in San Diego before their relocation to Los Angeles. Fluker, selected as the 11th pick in the 2013 NFL draft, showcased his skills against SEC defenses during his college years at Alabama.
The Las Vegas Raiders are signing OL DJ Fluker. pic.twitter.com/l37Tu6itQW
— NFL Rumors (@nflrums) December 11, 2023
Ex-Seahawks Starter D.J. Fluker Lost 50 Pounds Before Signing With the Raiders
Fluker had hinted at a potential return via social media, although the chances seemed slim. The experienced player participated in 16 games for the Ravens in 2020, making eight starts.
Afterward, Fluker joined the Dolphins’ practice squad on April 20, 2021, but he didn’t get the opportunity to play for Miami despite his previous standout performance at Alabama.
Fluker had connections to the Panthers in the past, but ultimately, he opted to sign with the Raiders. His appearance in Las Vegas will be notably different from his previous NFL tenure, as the former Seahawks starter underwent a significant transformation, shedding 50 pounds by completely overhauling his diet.
According to Schultz, “New Raiders OL DJ Fluker completely changed his workout routine, focusing on strength training, cardio, and adopting a clean eating approach to shed 50 pounds. It’s a remarkable display of determination and self-confidence! Now, he’s returned to the NFL and reunited with the Silver & Black.”
Seattle has encountered significant challenges with their offensive line this season. Initially, the Seahawks entered the season with optimism, envisioning a robust unit led by promising tackles Charles Cross and Abe Lucas.
However, injuries and inconsistent performances have plagued the Seahawks’ offensive line throughout the year. Brock Huard from Seattle Sports identified the guard position as the primary weakness within the unit.
“While there have been changes at tackle, Jason Peters and Jake Curhan have both made commendable contributions filling in for Abe Lucas. Abe has shown promise in his recent games upon his return,” Huard stated on the December 14 episode of “Brock & Salk.” “Charles Cross, our young talent at left tackle, remains a cornerstone for the future. However, the interior guard positions have simply not met the required standard.”
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