The Redskins made a surprising move this morning, releasing one of their defensive leaders. Safety D.J. Swearinger told Grant Paulsen on 106.7 The Fan that he was called into Jay Gruden‘s office this morning and informed of his release (via ESPN’s John Keim on Twitter).
The veteran has been vocal about his team’s woes this season, and that continued following Saturday’s loss to the Titans. Swearinger specifically called out defensive coordinator Greg Manusky, saying his coach’s play-calling allowed Tennessee to secure a go-ahead score. Swearinger pointed to Manusky’s decision to go man-to-man on a third down play against Titans backup Blaine Gabbert; the play ended in a holding penalty on Fabian Moreau.
“In that type of situation, you got a backup quarterback, I wouldn’t call man-to-man to make it easy for him,” Swearinger told NBC Sports Washington. “He hadn’t practiced all week. So, disguise a zone and let him throw the ball right to us. We didn’t make the plays we needed to, but when it’s crunch time, put us somewhere where we can make a play. Don’t put us in man-to-man where it’s easy for the quarterback. It’s too easy for the quarterback.”
Following a standout 2017 season, Swearinger was having another productive campaign in 2018. The 27-year-old had compiled 53 tackles, one sack, three forced fumbles, and four interceptions in 15 games. Pro Football Focus was also fond of his performance this season; the site ranked Swearinger 11th among 86 eligible safeties. The safety had played all but one of Washington’s defensive snaps, and he earned a spot as a Pro Bowl alternate.
There should be some interest in Swearinger’s services, although the safety is subject to waivers. If a team places a claim, they’d be responsible for paying his $176K paycheck for Week 17. SiriusXM’s Adam Caplan points out (on Twitter) that the veteran’s $4.25MM 2019 base salary was not guaranteed. The move will provide Washington with $4.5MM in cap space and $1.33MM in dead money.
Breaking: Redskins fans continue to never be surprised by the terrible moves made by this team.
His mouth got him cut.. Shocker..
They should have cut Manusky
Great move on the Redskins. Getting rid of drama
Cutting one of your defensive leaders over hurt feelings. It truly is the snowflake generation.
These are grown men, and I’m sure Manusky is far removed from any generation of snowflake. This is about being a professional and keeping drama in-house.
Bingo!
Exactly, snowflakes are only people I disagree with. People who cry over things I also cry about aren’t snowflakes.
Getting cut for telling the truth. I hope DJ sends a pallet of tampons and some flowers for the hurt feelings.
He’s been outstanding this year. 2nd best player on the defense. So, the Skins cut him. Typical move of this organization run by idiots.
Good for them for taking a stand, maybe this jack@$$ can find a job as a Defensive Coordinator somewhere now since he knows better than the coaches.
Does Philly quickly sign him and hope he reaps benefits in that one game they have him for?
Thug
A thug for telling the truth?
Not necessarily a thug, but an idiot for not knowing when to keep his comments in house and dealing with it there. When you decide to do it in he media the team will always have the final say.
He’ll have no trouble signing with a more competent team
Let’s go Cowboys put in that claim.
So sign Ruben Foster but release Swearinger?? Makes total sense to me
Think maybe Doug Williams has CTE? LOL
Bears should put in a claim if it gets to them. They only have 4 draft picks next year right now and 4.5 million for next year for a 27 year old safety( If they pick it up) is small potatoes. Would be a nice depth piece and insurance for the playoffs. I’d be all in. Cap going up 10 million next year anyway.
Colts let’s go!
I wouldn’t touch him, has no remorse. He needs to grow that regard. You can be as spirited as you want. Show all the heart in the world, but be professional. He wasn’t professional and that is why he is out if a job. Period.