On the surface, it isn’t a topic seemingly worth discussing on here. The Tampa Bay Buccaneers released safety D.J. Swearinger today.
But if you remember, the Pittsburgh Steelers were one of eight teams in the offseason to put in a waiver claim on the veteran safety. Could they still be interested?
Shamarko Thomas missed Sunday’s game with a knee injury. It may be a minor ailment and the team has the luxury of the bye week but maybe the team is ready to officially turn the page on him. Place him on injured reserve, release him sometime in the offseason. Swearinger is cut from a similar cloth – a big hitter with limited coverage ability, but offers more NFL experience. He has made 22 starts in his three year career, all with the Houston Texans throughout 2013 and 2014.
Swearinger had played 113 snaps with the Buccaneers this season and another 96 on special teams. He has four career forced fumbles and three interceptions.
It should be cautioned that Swearinger may be dealing with an injury on his own. He came into last week questionable with a toe injury and was inactive against the Dallas Cowboys.
Like Jacoby Jones, Swearinger will be subject to waivers because he has been released after the trade deadline. Keep an eye out for the Steelers over the next 24 hours. They might take a flier.
