The Seahawks appear to have finally addressed their biggest need of the off-season by signing DJ Fluker. Or at least began to address it.
The Seahawks moves in free agency haven’t exactly set the world on fire. They haven’t set the 12s on fire either. It’s true that signing DJ Fluker isn’t going to set off any wild celebrations. But at least Seattle has finally done something about their biggest need of the past two years.
Now, addressing a need and completely solving it are two very different things. According to Pro Football Focus, Fluker isn’t exactly the answer. He was ranked 56th among all guards last year. Then again, he would have been the Seahawks second best guard last season, so he could certainly be an upgrade.
Contract details
As with many of the Seahawks recent moves, there are few details available. It has been reported that Fluker and the Seahawks agreed to a one year deal. As with Jaron Brown and Maurice Alexander, we’ll post the numbers as soon as we get them. We can say with confidence that the Seahawks did not break the bank to sign Fluker.
Reaction
One thing DJ Fluker can do is run block. PFF graded him at 32.4 in pass-blocking, which is, uh, bad. But he was rated at 77.6 in run-blocking. And we know how much Pete Carroll wants to get the running game going.
John, please do not let DJ Fluker leave Seattle. Run game fixer. https://t.co/ALpMhGtXCX
— Mike Salk, Seattle Sports Station (@TheMikeSalk) March 15, 2018
It took DJ Fluker awhile to get in the lineup, but when he did, there was significant improvement. Fluker was in lineup for 4 of NYG's 7 100-yard rushing games. Also served a great mentor to inexperienced OL.
— Geoff Magliocchetti (@GeoffJMags) March 20, 2018
Omameh signing, however, made him expendable#Giants #Seahawks
Grade
Again, DJ Fluker was ranked 56th overall. That isn’t exactly a positive. On the bright side, he was tied for the 17th best run-blocking guard. Last season was his worst by far at pass-blocking, so that aspect of his game could certainly bounce back to a respectable level.
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Is this the killer signing? No, of course not. DJ Fluker wasn’t on our list of the best potential offensive line free agents. Josh Sitton and Richie Incognito graded much higher than Fluker. Sitton re-signed with the Dolphins for $18 million, too rich for Seattle. And Incognito isn’t worth two dollars in my opinion. So we have Fluker. Like virtually every free agent signing in 2018, it’s all about potential. Just once, I’d like something a little closer to proven.
Grade: C