In a move that comes as a bit of a surprise to most of us in the spring scene, the DC Defenders have signed an NFL veteran who’s ready to get back on the football field. OL D.J. Fluker – a first round NFL draft pick by the San Diego Chargers in 2013, has signed with the Defenders as Camp is under way.
With the release of OL Darrell Simpson, the DC Defenders have signed OL D.J. Fluker – a former first round NFL draft pick from the #Chargers.
The 33 year old vet now turns to the #UFL to get his pro career back on track, with the @XFLDefenders. pic.twitter.com/dtuHl5Eci7
— James Larsen (@JamesLarsenPFN) March 6, 2025
This is a fascinating pickup for a couple of reasons. For one, Fluker has, for the most part, been out of the NFL for a couple of years. He’s been working diligently to stay in shape, though, and now has an opportunity to get back to gridiron action.
Fluker played all of his college ball at Alabama. He was a full-time starter there, which garnered plenty of NFL attention. D.J. landed with the San Diego Chargers as a first round pick, and stuck with the team for several seasons.
Fluker was a starter for the Chargers from 2013-2016 – immediately making an impact for a high powered offense led by Phillip Rivers. After his release from San Diego, Fluker made his way to the Giants, where he played in several games before being placed on IR.
Chargers Legend DJ Fluker.. 1st round draft pick pic.twitter.com/mhAmMPSk3T
— Chargers Country (@ChargersCountry) March 4, 2025
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Since then, D.J. has been all over the place. He’s played with several NFL teams, but primarily has been on their practice squads. Most recently, he was signed to a futures deal with the Raiders, but was cut prior to OTA’s and camp.
UPDATE: Former Los Angeles #Chargers first-round offensive tackle D.J. Fluker has drawn interest from multiple #NFL teams and they would like to work him out after his recent workout at the Alabama Pro Day,…