D.J. Swearinger to Buccaneers: Latest Contract Details, Comments and Reaction

The Tampa Bay Buccaneers have claimed safety D.J. Swearinger off waivers.     

Rick Stroud of the Tampa Bay Times first reported the news, and ESPN's Adam Schefter noted interest from other teams:

Tampa Bay later confirmed the move.

According to ESPN's Field Yates, the Bucs released safety M.D. Jennings to make room for Swearinger.

Swearinger wasted little time addressing his new fanbase:

Yates noted the interest in Swearinger around the league:

Swearinger had spent the first two years of his NFL career with the Houston Texans. He started 22 regular-season games for the organization, making 144 total tackles and three interceptions. The 23-year-old announced on Instagram on May 11 that his time with the Texans was over:

John McClain of the Houston Chronicle alluded to the fact that the switch from Wade Phillips to Romeo Crennel at defensive coordinator ahead of the 2014 season might have adversely affected Swearinger. He didn't seem to fit into the team's long-term plans after the move.       

ESPN.com's Tania Ganguli added that Houston had been actively shopping Swearinger before ultimately letting him go:

"

The #Texans had been trying to find a trade partner for Swearinger for a few weeks, but it's unclear whether or not they found one.

— Tania Ganguli (@taniaganguli) May 11, 2015"

Obviously, it's somewhat telling that the Texans were so willing to let the safety go after just two seasons. Pro Football Focus ranked him 78th out of 87 players eligible at his position in 2014 and 71st out of 86 in 2013 (via NFL.com's Kevin Patra).

However, Swearinger should provide some value to Tampa Bay in 2015. He boasts some experience, and now that the Bucs are more aware of his ability, he should have a role more in line with his talent level. Nobody should expect Swearinger to start 16 games and make the Pro Bowl.   

This addition won't move the needle too much, but it's never a bad thing for a team to strengthen its depth a little bit ahead of training camp.