DJ Swearinger is trying to get back into the NFL. The veteran safety hitched on the DC Defenders of the XFL in the spring, hoping to impress NFL teams. After the sale of the Washington Commanders, Swearinger stated his desire to return to the NFL franchise he played two of his eight seasons with.
“I most definitely gotta go back to Washington [and] play under Magic Johnson for a couple of years. I would love to teach some of the youngins [and] retire in Washington!! Let’s make it happen!!” Swearinger tweeted.
Swearinger is alluding to Commanders’ minority owner Magic Johnson. Johnson is one of the most notable players ever in NBA history. He has an infectious attitude that draws people from all walks of life. Johnson is part of a group led by Philadelphia 76ers and New Jersey Devils owner Josh Harris that purchased the Commanders for an NFL record $6.05 billion.
There’s a lot of energy surrounding the city for Harris and Johnson and the new ownership group. Fans are not just excited that Dan Snyder is no longer the owner, but the new group appears to be saying all the right things to give hope.
Swearinger played for five other teams in the NFL, but he embodied the attitude and style of play that endeared him to Washington’s fans.
He had arguably the best two seasons of his career in Washington before he got unceremoniously released after clashing with the coaching staff. Jay Gruden is long gone. Ron Rivera is entering his fourth season as the Commanders’ head coach.
The Commanders have youth on the team, but they have no shortage of leadership. Plus, safety appears to be one of Washington’s strong units going into the 2023-24 season.
Kamren Curl and Darrick Forrest are at the top of the depth chart. Then, always-improving Jeremy Reaves follows along with last year’s draft pick Percy Butler. Teams usually don’t keep more than four safeties on their active 53-man roster.
Washington seemingly is set there, and that doesn’t include this year’s second-round draft pick Quan Martin, who will play slot cornerback primarily but also is a safety.
Would Swearinger be open to being a camp body with the potential to land as one of the team’s six veteran slots for the practice squad?
That would be his best bet to be on the Commanders’ roster next season. He would get the opportunity to teach the young safeties, which he alluded to in his social media post. He’ll also get the NFL experience during the week and be a player with the Commanders.
Still, there have to be two to tangle. The Commanders must be interested as well. That, however, remains to be seen. Again, the team appears at safety. Curl, who is entering a contract year, may be young, but he’s been established as a leader. So has Reaves, who made the Pro Bowl last year as a special teamer.
For now, DJ Swearinger may have to admire the new era in Washington from afar.
