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

After a brief sabbatical, safety D.J. Swearinger will make his triumphant return to the NFL as a member of the Arizona Cardinals. 

Per Greg Auman of the Tampa Bay Times, Swearinger will be a member of the Cardinals practice squad. The addition of Swearinger was one of many moves made by the Cardinals on Tuesday.

Per Darren Urban of the team's official website, running back Chris Johnson was placed on short-term injured reserve, meaning he will be eligible to return in six weeks. As a result, fellow running back Kerwynn Williams was promoted from the practice squad. 

Swearinger has had a whirlwind 2015. The Tampa Bay Buccaneers claimed the 24-year-old off waivers from the Houston Texans in May. He played in seven games for the Bucs to start the year before getting cut on Nov. 17. 

After he was let go by Tampa Bay, ESPN's Field Yates noted there was a long list of teams that originally tried to claim the former second-round pick and could possibly try again:

Before reaching a deal with the Cardinals, NFL Network Insider Ian Rapoport reported on Nov. 23 Swearinger had a visit with the Green Bay Packers. 

Swearinger's performance declined rapidly, as Pro Football Focus (h/t Zach Links of Pro Football Rumors) rated him No. 78 out of 87 qualified safeties in 2014 with an opposing quarterback rating allowed of 99.2. 

The Buccaneers took a chance on Swearinger, hoping he could find his mojo after starting 22 games in his first two years. The experiment didn't work out, but late in the season, a lot of teams are just seeking depth to finish a year.

Swearinger isn't going to transform a defense, though that's not why he's being brought in to Arizona's practice squad. Depth in the secondary is something every NFL franchise looks for, with only a select few finding it.

The Cardinals have a terrific set of defensive backs, led by Patrick Peterson and Tyrann Mathieu. Swearinger's past starting experience will help him step up quickly in the event Arizona needs another safety.