Las Vegas Raiders: 3 offensive linemen the team must sign immediately

Oct 4, 2021; Inglewood, California, USA; Las Vegas Raiders quarterback Derek Carr (4) runs the ball against Los Angeles Chargers linebacker Kyler Fackrell (52) during the second half at SoFi Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Robert Hanashiro-USA TODAY Sports
Oct 4, 2021; Inglewood, California, USA; Las Vegas Raiders quarterback Derek Carr (4) runs the ball against Los Angeles Chargers linebacker Kyler Fackrell (52) during the second half at SoFi Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Robert Hanashiro-USA TODAY Sports /
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Jun 16, 2021; Miami Gardens, FL, USA; Miami Dolphins offensive tackle D.J. Fluker (center) and guard Robert Jones (right) make a tackle while working out during minicamp at Baptist Health Training Facility. Mandatory Credit: Sam Navarro-USA TODAY Sports
Jun 16, 2021; Miami Gardens, FL, USA; Miami Dolphins offensive tackle D.J. Fluker (center) and guard Robert Jones (right) make a tackle while working out during minicamp at Baptist Health Training Facility. Mandatory Credit: Sam Navarro-USA TODAY Sports /

Las Vegas Raiders: 3 offensive linemen the team must sign immediately

D.J. Fluker

Another curious case of injury here, which I know is a dark cloud over the Raiders in terms of continuity, as the guards on this roster have dropped like dominoes. But sometimes experience outweighs that risk.

The 30-year-old D.J. Fluker was a former first-round selection who never lived up to his lofty expectations coming out of Alabama. However, he is a significant upgrade over what the Raiders currently have, and if his health checks out, would be a solid addition to a roster in dire need of upgrades at the guard position.

The Silver and Black would be wise to check out the veteran guard, and like Schwartz before him, can be an upgrade if his health checks out. Unlike Schwartz, Fluker is naturally a guard, and would not need much in terms of practice and learning in terms of playing the position.

It is a reach to say Fluker would change the fortunes of the Raiders, and five teams in nine seasons is troubling, but Fluker has the experience, and many of his struggles have been due to health. I know how ridiculous this may sound when the biggest issue the Raiders are having at guard is health, but it runs deeper than this, as what is currently on the roster is mainly a lack of talent.

Availability is always key, and sometimes this beats talent if you never even see the field, but at this point, the Raiders should have a tad bit of panic going on after what happened on Monday, the season is still young, meaning the Raiders would be wise to at least take a flier on a solid upgrade like Fluker.