:format(webp)/cdn.vox-cdn.com/uploads/chorus_image/image/62736425/usa_today_11785234.0.jpg)
Well, Santa certainly didn’t fail to deliver for Cardinals fans this Christmas.
A few days after making some very controversial complaints calling out his own coaching staff for bad decisions in public, former Cardinals Safety D.J. Swearinger was released by the Washington Redskins.
COLUMN: The same organization that gave Reuben Foster a second chance, forgave Mason Foster + kept Montae Nicholson, drew the line at DJ Swearinger’s public criticism.
— Kimberley A. Martin (@ByKimberleyA) December 24, 2018
Imagine that. #Redskins https://t.co/DPxVa5XNNj
Swearinger replaced Tyrann Mathieu after his ACL was torn in 2015 and started 12 games in the 2016 NFL season before taking a contract to sign with the Washington Redskins.
Part of the reason, it was reported, for Arizona letting him walk was that they didn’t feel he was a great locker room guy...and clearly someone willing to publicly criticize his own coaching staff seems to fit the bill there.
he did play well. He did like BA (everyone did).
— Jess Root (@senorjessroot) December 24, 2018
When he hit free agency, it was reported by people the Cardinals didn't want him back because of locker room stuff.
However, he’s back now in the desert.
Earlier today, Swearinger sent out on his instagram account that he’s returning to the Arizona Cardinals, who have the first priority in the waiver claim and reportedly claimed him and his deal.
But past ideas about him aside, now he’s back in Arizona and they’ll pick up his contract for the 2019 season as well, filling a potential need at safety.
Swearinger’s playing at a high level, too. Playing in all 15 games this season with 52 tackles, 42 solo and 4 interceptions.
Will Swearinger be a starter for Arizona next season?
With only one game left this season, most likely fans will have to wait until next season for the team to unwrap this pretty familiar present.
You can follow @blakemurphy7 on Twitter.