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D.J. Swearinger told Grant and Danny this morning that the Redskins have released him following comments that were critical of Defensive Coordinator Greg Manusky after Saturday's loss to the Titans. Jay Gruden said yesterday that the team would listen to his comments and then decide on any discipline. Gruden called him into his office today and released the veteran safety. Swearinger had one year left on his 3 year contract.
Officially Official:
#Redskins waive S DJ Swearinger Sr.: https://t.co/DTGiypxi2Y
— Washington Redskins (@Redskins) December 24, 2018
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D.J. Swearinger's interview w/ @granthpaulsen & @PeteMedhurst:
— Chris Lingebach (@ChrisLingebach) December 24, 2018
*He breaks the news of his release
*Claims he was voted captain (Gruden overruled player vote)
*Manusky told him 2 weeks ago he'd like Swearinger to coach for him some day.
FULL AUDIO: https://t.co/uB2DQ1F8A2
BTW, for those of you that think this is an over-reaction by the #Redskins to just what happened Saturday - that's fair.
— Chris Russell (@Russellmania621) December 24, 2018
However, internally they have been considering this from what I understand for several weeks & were going to do it anyway in the off-season. #Skins
SWEARINGER SOUNDS OFF: @JungleBoi_Swagg was not shy about sharing his opinions about the #Redskins defensive calls toward the end of the game @nbcwashington pic.twitter.com/4OofaL06C4
— NBC4 Sports (@NBC4Sports) December 23, 2018
Jay Gruden: D.J. Swearinger's criticism isn't helpful, it's disappointing https://t.co/xhJF7NWuPV pic.twitter.com/bNcqQdYhR4
— Hogs Haven (@HogsHaven) December 24, 2018
DJ Swearinger tells us on #GrantAndDanny that he was released by the Redskins. He is live reacting now.
— Grant Paulsen (@granthpaulsen) December 24, 2018
Jay Gruden called DJ Swearinger into his office today and released him.
— Grant Paulsen (@granthpaulsen) December 24, 2018
Swearinger has played at a high level most of the season. His preparation and film study is clear to see on the field with how he anticipates routes and takes them away. But he’s been consistently critical of defensive coaching staff publicly. Could certainly help a playoff team.
— Mark Bullock (@MarkBullockNFL) December 24, 2018
Swearinger adds #Redskins have the the defensive calls to be “a top-notch defense.... but the thing is, do we use the bullets in our gun? Or let the gun jam up?”
— Kimberley A. Martin (@ByKimberleyA) December 24, 2018
Swearinger said he thinks he was voted captain by his teammates and the coaches made Mason Foster instead.
— Craig Hoffman (@CraigHoffman) December 24, 2018
He said it was a three-way tie and Foster was named. Also says whole team voted for it, not just defense.
Normally, he says, defense votes for defense, offense for offense, etc. Swearinger: "I know for a fact I was voted one of the captains and one of my teammates' votes put me ahead of the three-way tie."
— Chris Lingebach (@ChrisLingebach) December 24, 2018
Grant: "Does Manusky have support?"
— Craig Hoffman (@CraigHoffman) December 24, 2018
Swearinger: "I don't know. I mean I guess he does."
Swearinger said he would make suggestions to coaches all the time and they wouldn't listen.
— Craig Hoffman (@CraigHoffman) December 24, 2018
He would text Manusky at 1 or 2am with call suggestions. He also suggested Dashazor Everett should play at safety.
Swearinger says two weeks ago Greg Manusky suggested he'd like him to coach for him some day. This was the same Greg Manusky who Swearinger called out after Saturday's loss. Swearinger: "I still have the text messages."
— Chris Lingebach (@ChrisLingebach) December 24, 2018
Swearinger says he was "shocked," but is at peace with the decision because "I gave 100 percent effort from my heart."
— Matthew Paras (@Matthew_Paras) December 24, 2018
I am trying to say this with a straight face but only the #Redskins could be in a position to cut a Pro-Bowl alternate in Week 17. He just said on @1067theFan that if he plays in #NFL all-star game, he might wear South Carolina apparel, if not claimed.
— Chris Russell (@Russellmania621) December 24, 2018
“We just thought it was best for both parties," Jay Gruden texted @Lescarpenter after cutting D.J. Swearinger https://t.co/dwKr2EBYOF
— Dan Steinberg (@dcsportsbog) December 24, 2018
BTW, for those of you that think this is an over-reaction by the #Redskins to just what happened Saturday - that's fair.
— Chris Russell (@Russellmania621) December 24, 2018
However, internally they have been considering this from what I understand for several weeks & were going to do it anyway in the off-season. #Skins
Just confirmed with a source that DJ Swearinger is subject to waivers.
— Craig Hoffman (@CraigHoffman) December 24, 2018
Any player, including a vested veteran like Swearinger, is subject to waivers after the trade deadline.
Goes in reverse record order. Claiming team would pick up his contract as is. https://t.co/qVsWGUQQFS
Just confirmed with a source that DJ Swearinger is subject to waivers.
— Craig Hoffman (@CraigHoffman) December 24, 2018
Any player, including a vested veteran like Swearinger, is subject to waivers after the trade deadline.
Goes in reverse record order. Claiming team would pick up his contract as is. https://t.co/qVsWGUQQFS
D.J. Swearinger this season:
— Field Yates (@FieldYates) December 24, 2018
* Started all 15 games
* Played all but 1 defensive snap
* Led Redskins in INT (4)
* Led Redskins in pass breakups (10)
* Pro Bowl alternate
Now released, he's subject to waivers. A claiming team would owe him $176, 470 for the rest of this season.