Former Washington Redskins safety D.J. Swearinger has not minced words about his former team, particularly targeting the team's coaching staff. Swearinger was released by the Redskins on December 24th after his public criticism of Redskins defensive coordinator Greg Manusky. Swearinger has since focused his critiques toward Redskins head coach Jay Gruden, stating Gruden won't ‘coach discipline' or ‘chew somebody out in practice.'
Former #Redskins S D.J. Swearinger rips Jay Gruden. Swearinger was outspoken about the coaching staff before he was cut week 16 of last season. pic.twitter.com/s8xi5C8Jxg
— uSTADIUM (@uSTADIUM) January 24, 2019
Swearinger was leading the Redskins in interceptions and passes defended prior to his release, but the criticism of Manusky was enough for the front office to part ways with Swearinger. The Redskins' defense was their strong suit this season behind Manusky, but once quarterback Alex Smith suffered a season-ending injury, the defense was on the field far too much.
Article Continues BelowSwearinger is a good player and brings forth a veteran presence to any team, but his outspoken personality has been the topic of conversation at times. The Redskins clearly did not take kindly to criticism, especially in the nature of making it a public matter rather than keeping it within the locker room. As Swearinger approaches his sixth season, it'll be worth monitoring if he receives a multi-year contract after what happened this season.
Despite the controversy, Swearinger was picked up by the Arizona Cardinals for the second time in his career and played the final game of the season with the Cardinals. It is likely that Arizona chooses to hold onto the veteran safety considering the need at nearly every defensive position, but that much is speculative for now.