Garnet and Cocky
Fansided

South Carolina Football – Gamecocks in NFL Free Agency (Pt. II)

By Jacob Elsey

PHILADELPHIA, PA - DECEMBER 23: Cornerback Johnathan Joseph #24 of the Houston Texans breaks up a pass against wide receiver Alshon Jeffery #17 of the Philadelphia Eagles in the first quarter at Lincoln Financial Field on December 23, 2018 in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania. (Photo by Brett Carlsen/Getty Images)
PHILADELPHIA, PA - DECEMBER 23: Cornerback Johnathan Joseph #24 of the Houston Texans breaks up a pass against wide receiver Alshon Jeffery #17 of the Philadelphia Eagles in the first quarter at Lincoln Financial Field on December 23, 2018 in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania. (Photo by Brett Carlsen/Getty Images) /
facebooktwitterreddit
Prev
2 of 4
Next
OAKLAND, CALIFORNIA – NOVEMBER 17: D.J. Swearinger #21 of the Oakland Raiders celebrates after defeating the Cincinnati Bengals 17-10 in their NFL game at RingCentral Coliseum on November 17, 2019 in Oakland, California. (Photo by Robert Reiners/Getty Images)
OAKLAND, CALIFORNIA – NOVEMBER 17: D.J. Swearinger #21 of the Oakland Raiders celebrates after defeating the Cincinnati Bengals 17-10 in their NFL game at RingCentral Coliseum on November 17, 2019 in Oakland, California. (Photo by Robert Reiners/Getty Images) /

DJ SWEARINGER (DB)

The seven-year veteran has played for six different teams over the span of his career, including three in 2019 alone.  After being released by the Raiders and the Cardinals last season, Swearinger joined the Saints in late December.  He must’ve made an impact because, on Sunday, the 28-year-old inked a one-year deal to rejoin the squad in 2020, effectively taking him off the free agent market.

Swearinger has notched over 400 tackles since entering the league, to go along with 14 interceptions and nine forced fumbles.  His new contract is reportedly worth $1.1 M.

As a Gamecock, Swearinger was a fan favorite who helped lead a stout Carolina defense from 2009-2012.  Known for his toughness and tenacity, he totaled 184 tackles and 6 interceptions over his four years on campus.

Many fans remember Swearinger for a monster hit on Clemson’s Andre Ellington in 2012.  He’s also responsible for one of the more bizarre three-play sequences I’ve seen, which came in a game against Arkansas, where he received three straight personal fouls but also returned an interception for a TD.   He would go on to be the 57th overall pick in the 2013 draft.

Home/South Carolina Football