D.J. Swearinger released
December 24, 2018
by Steve Thomas
Redskins safety D.J. Swearinger reported during an interview with 106.7 The Fan today that he has been released:
BREAKING NEWS: D.J. Swearinger said he was called into Jay Gruden's office and RELEASED by the #Redskins.
— 106.7 The Fan (@1067theFan) December 24, 2018
This release, which has not yet been officially confirmed by the Redskins, comes in the wake of Swearinger’s comments in the locker room after this Saturday’s game against the Titans in which he was sharply critical of the coaching staff, particularly defensive coordinator Greg Manusky:
Redskins safety D.J. Swearinger just ripped into defensive coordinator Greg Manusky for not playing mote zone coverage. He said a "kindergarten QB" could make plays vs. man. Swearinger was incensed they were in man on the Fabian Moreau play that resulted in a penalty.
— John Keim (@john_keim) December 23, 2018
Swearinger was also publicly vocal at times this year about the poor play of some teammates and supported Josh Norman’s earlier comments that were critical of the support the team receives from the fan base during home games.
Swearinger was in the midst of year two of a three year contract. He concludes his Redskins career having started 31 of 31 games for Washington, with 130 tackles and 8 interceptions, and was a defensive captain in 2017. His release saves $1.3M on the salary cap for this season and represents a $4.5M savings in 2019.
With Montae Nicholson having been placed on the Reserve/NFI list last week in the wake of his arrest, the departure of Swearinger means that Ha Ha Clinton-Dix and Deshazor Everett are the only remaining true safeties on the roster headed into the final game of the season.