The Washington Redskins released D.J. Swearinger following the safety’s critical comments toward defensive coordinator Greg Manusky, according to a report Monday.
Per The Athletic, Swearinger was called into coach Jay Gruden’s office on Monday and informed of his release. Swearinger confirmed the news on 106.7 The Fan later in the morning.
“I don’t regret nothing, because I know I gave 100 percent from my heart,” Swearinger said.
Gruden told reporters that he was “quite disappointed” with Swearinger’s post-game comments following the Redskins’ 25-16 setback to the Tennessee Titans on Saturday.
“We made it pretty clear that we try to keep our business within these walls,” Gruden said, “and we’ve had many talks before about that and unfortunately he chose to go to the media again and talk about his displeasure with some of the calls. I know Coach Manusky works extremely hard as does the rest of the staff to put together a game plan and unfortunately we didn’t get it done.”
Swearinger took issue with the team playing man-to-man on a third down play that resulted in a holding penalty on cornerback Fabian Moreau. He was also angered about the decision to put Moreau in that position against Titans backup quarterback Blaine Gabbert.
“I felt like we should have been more aggressive,” the 27-year-old Swearinger said Saturday. “I feel like on the third down and 6, third down and 7, we’re playing a backup quarterback, why would you put us in man-to-man? We are our best on defense when we look at the quarterback. When you go one high on a backup quarterback, that’s easy, man. It’ll go backside every time.
“I feel like if we look at the quarterback with all this time we’ve got on the back end, man, we can dominate every team, every week. I’m not the defensive coordinator though, so…”
Swearinger didn’t stop there when asked if he went to Manusky with those issues.
“I express my frustrations every single time I come off the field,” Swearinger said. “I’m a very smart football player. I probably watch more film than the coaches. … I’m trying to give my insight but it doesn’t work.
“I can only put my heart in this (expletive), dog, put my heart in this (expletive) and give them what I can give them. Whether they take it or not, that’s another thing. That’s where the frustration comes.”
Gabbert entered the game in place of Marcus Mariota, who exited with what the team called a stinger. The journeyman quarterback completed 7 of 11 passes for 101 yards and the game-winning touchdown, a 2-yard pass to tight end MyCole Pruitt.
Swearinger has voiced his frustration several times this season, namely with the team’s preparation as well as a casual Friday practice atmosphere.
The 5-foot-10, 205-pound Swearinger has four interceptions, 53 tackles and one sack this season for the Redskins (7-8).
