NFL Free Agency: D.J. Fluker An Option For The Cleveland Browns?

Is a new addition to the NFL free agency market an option for the Cleveland Browns?

Last season’s Cleveland Browns offensive line was a mess. Key reasons why were due to injuries and poor overall play but during the NFL free agency that may change.

If you have read my Factory of Sadness articles, especially ones that focus on the offensive line, you would know that I am not a believer in what Cleveland has on the right side of the line, especially right tackle.

There is not one right tackle on the roster that is even an average player at the position. That said, I know some of you believe differently on the position. Despite the various opinions, at the end of the day, there is no long-term answer at right tackle.

Cleveland could very well upgrade the position in the draft, but we also cannot forget another key need along the line, right guard. Overall, there are three positions of need along the offensive line: center, right guard, and right tackle.

So, if the Browns would like to add to the offensive line via free agency who could they look to? One intriguing name just became available.

Earlier today, according to NFL Network’s Ian Rapoport, the Los Angeles Chargers released offensive lineman D.J. Fluker.

The #Chargers, who released DJ Fluker and Stevie Johnson today, are also releasing CB Brandon Flowers, a former big-ticket FA signing.
— Ian Rapoport (@RapSheet) March 7, 2017

The market is starting to form for the former Alabama product and nothing as of the moment this was written has linked Fluker with the Browns. Fluker would be a great option to consider though and knowing that he could fill either the right guard or right tackle position should be very tempting.

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Cleveland has over $100 million in salary cap space and must be a force in free agency. Of course whether they actually are will be known soon. Signing Fluker would be a very big step in that direction. Focusing on the free agency heavily would be my preference by signing Cincinnati Bengals guard Kevin Zeitler in addition ideally with another lineman like Fluker.

I know that can be a stretch. However, but by doing so, the only position still needing fixed is center. Fluker is not going to get Zeitler-type money but he will get solid offers in free agency.

Besides, Cleveland should sign a number of younger veterans entering their second contracts. As Cleveland grows via the draft, acquiring talented 24-28 year olds in free agency would help balance the roster combining younger players with those who has experience as they become contenders.

Next: Free Agent Targets For The Browns

Hopefully in the next day or so the Browns reaches out to Fluker’s agent. He is an up and coming lineman who fits a need for Cleveland and would be a steal of an acquisition. Adding Fluker to a line coupled with left tackle Joe Thomas and left guard Joel Bitonio (when healthy) could be the start of something special.

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