Bolts pick up Fluker's option

[Formula 21]

San Diego Chargers exercise OL D.J. Fluker's 5th-year option
Fluker has started 43 games for Chargers since arriving in 2013
By ARTHUR ARKUSH -- aarkush@profootballweekly.com
Published: April 22, 2016 — 2:43 p.m.Updated: April 22, 2016 — 2:47 p.m.

The Chargers are determined to fix their O-line, and they envision 2013 first-rounder D.J. Fluker as a part of that solution beyond 2016.

San Diego has exercised the fifth-year option on D.J. Fluker.

Fluker, 25, has started all 43 games in which he's appeared since arriving as the 11th overall pick out of Alabama in 2013. He missed four starts a season ago with a concussion and ankle injury. The 6-foot-5, 339-pounder has spent time at both right tackle and right guard in San Diego. With Joe Barksdale re-signing this offseason, he's penciled in as the starting right guard.

The way we see it

The real news will be when a club decides not to pick up this option, a valuable team tool that keeps first-rounders under club control for a fifth season at an affordable rate. Fluker hasn't played up to his draft status yet, but the Bolts aren't in position to let O-linemen of his pedigree walk given their signifcant issues with durability and performance up front.

San Diego could spend an early draft pick to further bolster the front wall for Philip Rivers and disappointing 2015 rookie Melvin Gordon.

[Mister Hoarse]

Why?

[UtahBolt]

He has definitely not lived up to his pick but he can be considered somewhat, sorta, kinda, dependable-ish and on this O-line that might as well be all-pro!

[Lightningwill_420]

Fluker ain't all that, but the body-slam of the Raider made his career totally worth it.

[chargerkdb]

The option year keeps him in Rookie contract. The only options are to negotiate second contract,$$$$, or he hits free agency. I say keep him another year on rookie deal.

[Steve]

It costs us nothing to release him if we decide to move on. There is no downside to not giving him the option at this point.

[BoltBacker]

It costs us nothing to release him if we decide to move on. There is no downside to not giving him the option at this point.

This, option not guaranteed. Gives Chargers all the advantage.

[Geezbolt]

I'm interested to see how he does with a new OL coach.

[6025]

He needs to overcome the concussions and injury history.

[Steve]

He needs to improve his technique and stop being so aggressive as a pass blocker.

Suprisingly, he proved he was a much better pulling OG then I think anyone felt he was going to be.

[Lightningwill_420]

That's a really heavy option to pick up. I hope the Chargers used proper lifting techniques.

[SDFan]

so if we land Tunsil, Stanley or Conklin- do we try to move Fluker? Yes, I desperately want them to get a top OC this draft too, but with Dunlap, Franklin and Barksdale locked in as starters by their contracts and TT stubbornly supporting Watt- where do we put the rookie OT prospect to get them playing time and not rush starting them at LT or RT? RG might be the spot and make Fluker expendable? What is his value in a trade after the top OTs are gone or even days after the draft?