The Baltimore Ravens have agreed to terms with veteran interior offensive linemen D.J. Fluker. He is expected to compete for the Ravens’ starting right guard spot that was formerly held by Pro Bowler Marshal Yanda.
The 29-year-old Alabama alum was released by the Seattle Seahawks on April 26 after they acquired C/G BJ Finny in free agency and Damien Lewis of LSU in the 3rd round of the NFL Draft. He made his announcement via Twitter shortly after his departure.
Yo… You know I had to let you see me say it, 12s, much love!
Thanks to everyone for making Seattle my home. I ain’t going anywhere, I like the #PNW. Where I work next won’t change where I live from here on out.
~ D.J
PS. @DangeRussWilson thanks for the call. Appreciate you! pic.twitter.com/DB82tQHD5J— DJ Fluker TheWarrior (@DJTheWarrior76) April 27, 2020
Fluker adds veteran experience, taking 863 snaps in 2019; which was 3rd most out of any Seahawks lineman. He only allowed six sacks in 2019. His hard work helped Seattle to make the playoffs and allowed QB Russell Wilson to enjoy one of his best years statistically (4,110 yards, 31 TDs). DJ had 607 snaps in 2018 and 446 in 2017.
Fluke!!!
Going to miss you bro! Keep bringing the energy. Love you bro! 💪🏾🙏🏾
Homies for life. https://t.co/e7AyuHDVUu
— Russell Wilson (@DangeRussWilson) April 27, 2020
The former first-round pick was a top prospect coming out of Alabama in 2013. The (then) San Diego Chargers selected Fluker with the 11th overall pick in the draft. He immediately started 15 games for San Diego at right tackle, then 16 in 2014, before moving to right guard. DJ made 12 starts in 2015 and 2016 before being released by the Chargers. Current Ravens offensive line coach Joe D’Alessandris was on the Chargers staff for the first three years.
The former Crimson Tide All-American will have the opportunity to block once more for his former teammate, Pro Bowl RB Mark Ingram. Fluker joins a long list of former Alabama players to put on a Ravens uniform. He will take on the responsibility of leading an offensive line that set the NFL single 16-game-season rushing record with 3,296 yards. That accomplishment broke a record that had been held for 41 years.
Once it's official, DJ Fluker will be come the 6th Alabama player on the Baltimore roster, joining Mark Ingram, Andre Smith, Bradley Bozeman, Marlon Humphrey, and Anthony Averett. He'll be the 16th former Alabama player in the DC/BAL combined market.
— Alabama Pro Updates (@BamaProUpdates) April 28, 2020