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The Arizona Cardinals used their No. 1 waiver status at the end of 2018 to secure the services of safety DJ Swearinger. After four weeks of 2019 play, they no longer are in need of Swearinger's play, as they are releasing him, according to Adam Schefter of ESPN.
Cardinals releasing veteran safety DJ Swearinger, per source.
— Adam Schefter (@AdamSchefter) September 30, 2019
Swearinger started all four games for the Cardinals. In doing so, he piled up 28 combined tackles, a quarterback hit and a pass deflection. According to Pro Football Reference, the safety allowed a 126.2 passer rating in coverage, as he allowed seven completions out of 10 throws for 63 yards and two touchdowns.
In 2018, Swearinger was a Pro Bowl alternate for the Washington Redskins. He started 15 games at free safety, in the process recording 53 combined tackles, a quarterback hit, 10 pass deflections, three forced fumbles and four interceptions. In coverage, he allowed a 64.9 passer rating, as quarterbacks threw 29 for 47 in his range for 369 yards, two touchdowns, and four interceptions.
Ultimately, Washington released Swearinger due to his critical comments of the team.
Though a talented safety, Swearinger has struggled to find a forever home in the NFL. He lasted two seasons with the Houston Texans after they took him in the second round. After his release from Houston, he spent time with the Tampa Bay Buccaneers and Cardinals before spending two seasons in Washington and his second stint in Arizona.
Swearinger should warrant some interest on the market, despite his poor start to the 2019 season. In the meantime, the Cardinals appear to be going young at safety, as third-year Budda Baker and rookie Deionte Thompson are primed to start.
