D.J. Fluker

Chargers release former first-round pick D.J. Fluker, CB Brandon Flowers

Published Mar. 7, 2017 11:55 a.m. ET

Cameron DaSilva

The Los Angeles Chargers had about $1.9 million in cap space entering Tuesday, and with free agency officially beginning in just two days, it was unlikely they'd be in the mix for the top available players. However, that changed in the blink of an eye thanks to a handful of moves.

The Chargers announced on Tuesday they've released offensive lineman D.J. Fluker, starting cornerback Brandon Flowers and wide receiver Stevie Johnson, creating about $19.3 million in cap space.

https://twitter.com/Chargers/status/839153212598837249

Fluker spent time at tackle and guard for the Chargers, struggling at both positions. His versatility makes him an intriguing option for a team like the Vikings or 49ers, but he’s below-average in pass protection and isn’t a punishing run-blocker.

He was the Chargers’ first-round pick in 2013, but hasn’t panned out the way they had hoped. Perhaps a team will take a chance on him based on potential and positional versatility, but at best he’s an average right tackle.

Flowers was a big-ticket free agent in 2014 after he made the Pro Bowl with the Chiefs the previous year. He was solid in his first season but has battled injuries ever since, playing just 17 games the past two seasons.

Johnson joined the Chargers in 2015 but played just 10 games the past two seasons, all of which came two years ago. He missed all of 2016 due to injury.

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D.J. Fluker

Los Angeles Chargers

National Football League