Former Seattle Seahawks starter and a player selected within the top 15 picks comes out of retirement to join the Raiders.
Former Seattle Seahawks offensive lineman D.J. Fluker, who hasn’t played in the NFL since 2020, made a notable comeback by signing with the Las Vegas Raiders before Week 15. Despite his hiatus, Fluker impressed by shedding approximately 50 pounds and achieving his best physical condition. The news of his signing was shared by Bleacher Report’s Jordan Schultz on December 11, 2023, noting Fluker’s successful workout with the Raiders.
Seahawks fans will recall Fluker’s significant contributions to the team from 2018 to 2019, making 23 starts in the Pacific Northwest. The journeyman lineman, originally a first-round pick for the Chargers in the 2013 NFL draft, began his career in San Diego before the team’s relocation to Los Angeles.
Fluker, who hinted at a potential comeback on social media, faced challenges, having played 16 games for the Ravens in 2020 but not securing a spot with the Dolphins in 2021. Despite previous links to the Panthers, Fluker ultimately chose the Raiders, undergoing a major transformation by losing 50 pounds through a revamped diet and training regimen.
Meanwhile, the Seattle Seahawks have encountered struggles on their offensive line in the 2023 season. Initially expecting strength from the unit, injuries and inconsistent play have plagued the team, with particular concerns about the guard play. Analysts, such as Brock Huard from Seattle Sports, have highlighted the unit’s deficiencies, emphasizing the need for improvement, especially between the guards.
As the Seahawks prepare to face the Eagles on Monday Night Football, they enter the matchup with a 33% chance of winning, according to projections. The Eagles are favored with a 5.5-point spread. The availability of quarterback Geno Smith remains uncertain, with Drew Lock poised for a second consecutive start if Smith is unable to play against the Eagles.
