D.J. Swearinger Cut by Jay Gruden, Redskins After Criticism of DC Greg Manusky

Washington released safety D.J. Swearinger on Monday, two days after he made critical comments about defensive coordinator Greg Manusky's play-calling.

Swearinger called into the Grant & Danny Show on 106.7 The Fan on Monday and said head coach Jay Gruden cut him because of the comments. The veteran safety was highly critical of Manusky following Saturday's loss to the Tennessee Titans, bemoaning a lack of aggression and saying the defense was schemed poorly against backup quarterback Blaine Gabbert. 

"I feel like with a lot of these playmakers we got on the team, I feel like you should be trying to get your players involved," Swearinger told reporters. "We got a lot of talent on this team. When I look at film of other teams, I always see nickels blitzing. I always see safeties blitzing. We was down and that's the first time we sent a blitz.

"It's frustrating. I don't know what to say about it. But I think with the playmakers we got on defense, man, there's no way we should've lost this game. I feel like we were the better team. I felt like we could have been in a better call on that third down."

Swearinger has been publicly critical of teammates and the coaching staff previously. Gruden told reporters Sunday that he was "quite disappointed" with Swearinger and cited the safety's previous remarks. 

"I'm quite disappointed, to be honest with you," Gruden said. "I think we made it pretty clear we keep our business within these walls, and we've had talks before about that, and unfortunately he chose to go to the media again and talk about some of his displeasure with some of the calls."

A number of Washington players took to social media, expressing their frustration with Swearinger's release (NSFW language):

Swearinger started the first 15 games of the season for Washington, recording 53 tackles and four interceptions on his way to being named a Pro Bowl alternate. He will be subject to waivers. Any team that claims him will be responsible for the $176,470 in salary remaining on his 2018 contract, per Field Yates of ESPN.

As a vested veteran, Swearinger will receive that salary regardless of whether he is claimed.