The Texans’ decision to waive 2013 second-round pick D.J. Swearinger on Monday didn’t exactly scare off clubs from wanting to bring in the third-year safety from South Carolina.
According to ESPN’s Field Yates, eight teams tried to claim Swearinger, who ultimately landed with Tampa Bay on Tuesday. In addition to the Jets, the Jaguars, Raiders, Falcons, Bills, Steelers and Ravens were all willing to be assigned his contract.
The Steelers’ claim for Swearinger shouldn’t come as a surprise; the team has a need at safety, and head coach Mike Tomlin praised Swearinger’s play before last season’s Steelers-Texans matchup. Likewise, the Jets, Jaguars, Raiders, Falcons, Bills and Ravens could also use another option or two at safety.
Nevertheless, the Buccaneers were first in line. And now, Swearinger gets a chance to see if his second NFL home works out better than his first.