SAN DIEGO -- As expected, the Los Angeles Chargers moved on from offensive lineman D.J. Fluker on Tuesday.
The Chargers took out a fifth-year option on Fluker last year, but his $8.8 million price tag would have been guaranteed had the University of Alabama product been on the team’s roster at the start of free agency Thursday.
Instead, the Chargers chose to part ways with the team’s first-round selection from the 2013 draft. Fluker, 25, only missed five games in four seasons. However, he was moved from right tackle to right guard two years ago because of his struggles in pass protection with speed rushers. The results since have been mixed.
Last season, the Chargers rotated undrafted rookie Spencer Pulley with Fluker at right guard, and they like Pulley's upside.
Fluker’s release was just the start of a salary cap purge for the Chargers as they attempt to create space for potential free agent signings.
Along with Fluker, cornerback Brandon Flowers and receiver Stevie Johnson also were informed of their releases, creating more than $19 million in cash and salary cap savings for the Chargers.
Head coach Anthony Lynn, offensive coordinator Ken Whisenhunt and offensive line coach Pat Meyer have to figure out how they will remake the offensive line.
Veterans left tackle King Dunlap, left guard Orlando Franklin and right tackle Joe Barksdale remain on the roster. Combined, those three will make about $17 million in total compensation in 2017, if the trio stay with the Chargers at their current salary.
The Chargers also have young, developmental prospects in center Max Tuerk and tackle Tyreek Burwell to take a closer look at as they refashion the team’s offensive line to better protect quarterback Philip Rivers and clear out rushing lanes for Melvin Gordon.
