The Washington Redskins cut safety D.J. Swearinger, making him the ideal Christmas present for the Kansas City Chiefs—if they can claim him.
The Washington Redskins decided to make an interesting move just before the holiday season with the reported release of safety D.J. Swearinger with just one week to go in the regular season.
Swearinger spoke out after being released about his frustration with the team this season, even saying how he was watching more film than the team’s coaches.
Swearinger is a nice veteran safety option entering the market at a key time for teams to consider as they prepare their postseason rosters. He’s started every single game for Washington so far this season and has already matched a career high in interceptions with four, a total that leads the team. He also has 51 total tackles, 2 fumble recoveries and 10 passes defended.
Swearinger was at odds with his coaching staff in Washington, which is going to cause any potential new team to pause and consider the chemistry as a team makes the stretch run. Swearinger is likely to come in as a passionate and focused option, but if they deem him incapable of being a team player when it counts the most, then adding him might be a bit more problematic than things look on paper.
Then again, for a team like the Chiefs, the needs in the secondary are actually a primary concern as the team hopes that Eric Berry can stay healthy, Dan Sorensen can return to form and backup safeties can be effective. All season long, the back end of the defense has been frustrating, and Swearinger’s talents would definitely be appreciated.
Unfortunately even if the Chiefs are interested, they’re going to be subject to waiting on other teams on the league’s waiver wire. It might be a bit of a wait, but if he can slip through waivers, Swearinger could be a rare late-season addition that could bolster the team where it needs help most.