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New York Giants Scheduled Meeting With D.J. Fluker

By Kenneth Teape

October 9, 2016; Oakland, CA, USA; San Diego Chargers offensive guard D.J. Fluker (76) before the game against the Oakland Raiders at Oakland Coliseum. The Raiders defeated the Chargers 34-31. Mandatory Credit: Kyle Terada-USA TODAY Sports
October 9, 2016; Oakland, CA, USA; San Diego Chargers offensive guard D.J. Fluker (76) before the game against the Oakland Raiders at Oakland Coliseum. The Raiders defeated the Chargers 34-31. Mandatory Credit: Kyle Terada-USA TODAY Sports /
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The New York Giants have scheduled a meeting with free agent offensive lineman D.J. Fluker.

The New York Giants have been relatively quiet thus far in free agency. They have bolstered the skill positions offensively, signing wide receiver Brandon Marshall and tight end Rhett Ellison. Both players will improve the Giants in their own way.

But, arguably the biggest offensively, and throughout the whole team, has yet to be addressed. The Giants need to add some veteran talent to the offensive line to take the offense to the next level.

The Giants were reportedly interested in Russell Okung, but he landed a huge deal with the San Diego Chargers. Other top options such as Andrew Whitworth, Matt Kalil, Kevin Zeitler, Larry Wafford, and Ron Leary are all off the market as well.

Luckily for the Giants, there are still plenty of options that can help improve the offensive line. One player the Giants could have interest in is D.J. Fluker. According to ESPN’s Jordan Raanan, the Giants have scheduled a meeting with the free agent tackle/guard.

The Giants are not the only team with interest as Raanan notes. The New England Patriots are armed with a ton of cap space, so if the Giants want Fluker they cannot let him leave. There is a good chance if Fluker leaves the Giants without a contract, they may not get another chance to give him an offer.

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There is some debate whether or not Fluker would truly be an upgrade for the Giants. At guard, the answer would probably be no. Justin Pugh is locked into left guard and ranked 16th among guards. John Jerry actually had a good season for the Giants at right guard as well, ranking 33rd among qualifying NFL guards.

Where Fluker could help is at tackle. Ereck Flowers and Bobby Hart graded out as arguably the worst tackle duo in the NFL in 2016. Fluker, who was graded as a guard, didn’t fare much better with a grade of 63.7. Fluker did excel as a pass blocker with a 75.9, but struggled mightily run blocking with a 46.

Oddly enough, Flowers and Hart both struggled mightily in pass protection but excelled in run blocking. With how much the Giants pass the ball, bringing Fluker in could be a smart idea. He has experience playing tackle with the Chargers and would improve the Giants in some areas of the offense.

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The question for the Giants is, how much will Fluker cost? The Giants do not have much money available to spend but need to bring in a veteran. Fluker would present an upgrade, especially if the Giants are unable to retain Jerry.

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