Can D.J. Swearinger and Bruce Arians reunite with Buccaneers?

While D.J. Swearinger’s first go-around with the Buccaneers did not go as planned, could he reunite with his former coach for a second chance?

It was announced that the Arizona Cardinals released hard hitting strong safety D.J. Swearinger as the young safeties have come along fast and forced him out of his role. In 2015, during Swearinger’s first stint in Arizona, he had a limited overlap with current Tampa Bay Buccaneers head coach Bruce Arians; could a reunion be in order?

The Bucs are getting strong play out of second year safety Jordan Whitehead, but other than him, rookie Mike Edwards has played in a limited role, while veteran Darian Stewart is non-existent. While Swearinger has struggled to the tune of a grade of 45.1 according to Pro Football Focus (subscription required), this blitz-heavy defensive scheme of Bowles could be a perfect match for a box safety like him.

In 2015, Swearinger played a limited four games with the Cardinals and with Arians as his head coach after being released from the Houston Texans, claimed off of waivers by the Bucs, then cut just seven games into that season. During that four game span, Swearinger recorded just one start, tallying just one forced fumble and pass defended and 7 solo tackles.

More from The Pewter Plank

• Devin White posts cryptic message to Lavonte David on Twitter
• ESPN predicts surprising outcome to Devin White trade saga
• Updated Buccaneers depth chart after signing two players from rookie minicamp
• Todd Bowles sends clear message about Baker Mayfield’s role with Bucs
• The Athletic is wrong about Bucs one ‘must-watch’ game in 2023

He went on to start 12 games in 2016 with the Cardinals under Arians, appearing in all 16 that year. During a larger sample size under Arians, Swearinger tallied three interceptions, eight passes defended, two sacks, 56 solo tackles, and five tackles for loss. With Arians now at the helm, and with the lack of depth at safety, a second chance for Swearinger in Tampa is intriguing to say the least.

On Instagram when he was released from Washington last season, Swearinger made a point to say that Arians has “championship swagger” and called him an “OG.” Clearly the veteran safety has respect for the head honcho in Tampa, but does Arians want Swearinger back under his wing?

While D.J. Swearinger’s play has been alarming, the question has to be asked as to whether or not he is worth the risk of introducing and immersing into a better coaching staff? If so, then, given the lack of depth at the safety position, Swearinger could be worth a look for the Buccaneers.