Texans Release Young Safety

www.cbssports.com

www.cbssports.com

The Houston Texans decided to part ways with 23-year-old strong safety D.J. Swearinger.

Swearinger was drafted in the second round by the Texans just two seasons ago, but has failed to live up to expectations. Although we’ve seen him deliver the occasional big hit, or get the occasional interception, Swearinger has not been the type of all-around safety that he was thought to be.

Despite the fact that he hasn’t lived up to his potential, Swearinger is still a safety that is worth having on a roster. 

In his rookie season, he recorded 71 tackles, one forced fumble and one interception. He was able to up each of those totals in his second season, improving to 74 tackles, three forced fumbles and three interceptions. 

This increase from one season to the next gives reason to believe that Swearinger is still improving and at only 23; he certainly still has time to reach his potential. 

It’s been said that Swearinger was waived due to his lack of coverage ability, but the upgrade in interceptions from year one to year two is promising.

On the plus side, Swearinger will definitely find a new home. He is still young and has a skill set that can still be utilized by different NFL teams. 

Safeties that are asked to stack in the box like linebackers are in high demand these days, and I’m willing to bet that someone could use Swearinger in that type of package. 

The Texans signed strong safety Stevie Brown in the offseason and it’s clear that they intended on having him start alongside Rahim Moore, leaving Swearinger as the outcast. 

Don’t be fooled though, he will find a new home and possibly even a starting job right away. He will probably be a high priority free agent for more than a couple teams, especially considering how small his salary is. 

Whoever gambles on him will be signing him on for the final two years of his rookie contract.