FRISCO - Maybe the Washington Redskins represent a bad scene or maybe safety D.J. Swearinger is "bad'' in some way other than on the field, where he has over the course of his time with the Washington Redskins been an impactful and Pro Bowl level performer. But sources tell me that as he was released Monday -- seemingly as punishment after criticizing Washington defensive coordinator Greg Manusky’s game plan against the Tennessee Titans -- Washington's NFC East rival Dallas Cowboys wasted no time before deciding they had no interest in Swearinger as a waiver claim or even after that.
As it turned out, the Arizona Cardinals -- the NFL's worst team -- did put in a claim for the outspoken player, rendering Dallas' lack of interest fairly moot. What is interesting, though, is how several of Swearinger’s former Redskins teammates went to social media to express their displeasure with the transaction. Cornerback Quinton Dunbar wrote, “Forever My Brother, S–t crazy,” while offensive tackle Trent Williams wrote, “Some s–t is impossible to understand!”
While the Dallas Cowboys have gone from rags to riches this season, vaulting from a 3-5 start to a present 9-6 record and an NFC East title and the playoff berth that comes with it, Washington has slipped in the other direction. The 'Skins program seems out of control and directionless, Swearinger's public criticism of the team serving as a symptom. Was Dallas' disinterest a judgment on his outspoken nature? A reflection on the salary he might command? An expression of faith in presently employed safeties Jeff Heath and Xavier Woods and Kavon Frazier, all of whom are key parts of a Dallas defense that is considered "elite'' here inside The Star in Frisco?
I think ... yes, yes and yes.
As with Josh Norman's weird fight with a Titans offensive lineman following yet another Washington loss, the Redskins seem caught up in "scene control'' that is beyond their control. Meanwhile, the Cowboys -- who, critics might be surprised to be reminded, have just won a third NFC East title in the last five years -- are caught up with chemistry issues ... chemistry issues they believe they have solved with the work of this present group.
Oh, Dallas will change at some point; watch what happens next spring in free agency when Seattle Seahawks standout safety Earl Thomas is available. But as it relates to Swearinger? When 'Skins safety Deshanor Everett also jumps onto social media, imploring his defensive backfield mate to “Keep that same energy and passion bruh, don’t ever change,'' he is misreading the situation. In Washington, it's all about "change.'' In Arizona, it's all about the same, as their grab of Swearinger means he will be employed by his sixth team in his eight NFL seasons ... and his second stint with the Cardinals.
And the Cowboys? While many observers outside of The Star have wrongly speculated about a connection between Swearinger and Dallas, here inside team HQ, there is and has always been disinterest in the former second-round pick. Swearinger has, to be fair, been a problem for the Cowboys when they play him. But in this case? Dallas will leave him to be somebody else's problem.
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