The New Orleans Saints re-signed veteran safety D.J. Swearinger to a one-year, $1.1 million contract per Aaron Wilson of the Houston Chronicle. Swearinger’s contract includes a base salary of $1.05 million and a $50,000 roster bonus.
It’s not a substantial contract by any means, but Swearinger’s return could be significant. Beyond adding depth at a critical position in the Saints defense, Swearinger figures to play often on special teams in New Orleans, where his aggressive play style could create big-play opportunities for returns specialist Deonte Harris while limiting opposing returns.
Swearinger’s extensive NFL resume — he’s suited up for seven different teams during his 10-year career as a pro, playing his best with the Washington Redskins — should also help out in film study and in the locker room. Between him and free agent signee Malcolm Jenkins, the Saints secondary has a ton of experience to lean on.
Swearinger was first signed by the Saints on Dec. 18 2019, joining his fourth team last season. His addition came at an important time when starting safety Vonn Bell was sidelined by a knee injury, while rookie standout C.J. Gardner-Johnson was held out with a concussion. In their absence, Swearinger played 33 snaps for the Saints on defense and 11 on special teams during the regular season finale against the Carolina Panthers.
With Swearinger in the fold, the Saints now have seven safeties under contract for 2020:
- Marcus Williams
- Malcolm Jenkins (free agent addition)
- C.J. Gardner-Johnson
- J.T. Gray (back on a one-year contract)
- Saquan Hampton
- Chris Johnson (2019 practice squad call-up)
- D.J. Swearinger
