Da Windy City
Fansided

Chicago Bears: Free Agent Safety D.J. Swearinger Would Make a Lot of Sense

By Dan Schmelzer

Dec 18, 2016; Glendale, AZ, USA; Arizona Cardinals safety D.J. Swearinger (36) against the New Orleans Saints at University of Phoenix Stadium. The Saints defeated the Cardinals 48-41. Mandatory Credit: Mark J. Rebilas-USA TODAY Sports
Dec 18, 2016; Glendale, AZ, USA; Arizona Cardinals safety D.J. Swearinger (36) against the New Orleans Saints at University of Phoenix Stadium. The Saints defeated the Cardinals 48-41. Mandatory Credit: Mark J. Rebilas-USA TODAY Sports /
facebooktwitterreddit

NFL rumors have connected the Chicago Bears and free agent safety D.J. Swearinger. Signing Swearinger would be a great move for Ryan Pace and company.

The Chicago Bears have been connected to a lot of names in free agency. It makes sense. They are loaded with cap space and certainly have a lot of room for improvement on their roster.

Related Story: Why Tony Romo is Perfect Fit for Bears

Perhaps the most obvious need on the Bears’ roster comes in the secondary. The Bears need a ton of help at both the cornerback and safety positions. Arizona Cardinals safety Tony Jefferson tops the free agent wish list for many Chicago Bears fans. However, would his 2016 running-mate make more sense?

According to Brad Biggs of the Chicago Tribune, the Bears are interested in free agent safety D.J. Swearinger. Swearinger was a second-round pick by the Houston Texans in 2013 but was released by the team after only two seasons. Swearinger quickly busted out of Houston and bounced around the league a bit before finally landing with the Cardinals last season.

He was able to get his career back on track, proving to be a dependable option in the Arizona secondary. Swearinger played all over the Cardinals defense last season, showing great quickness, athleticism and toughness on the field. Swearinger showed some nice deep coverage skills, but he is probably best suited as an in the box safety.

Honestly, the Bears could use him in either role. Swearinger would be an immediate upgrade for the Bears at either safety position. It would not be a perfect pairing but the Bears could certainly do worse than starting Swearinger and Adrian Amos at safety next season.

Next: Bears Complete Seven-Round 2017 NFL Mock Draft

The 25-year-old Swearinger still has plenty of long-term potential. He certainly struggled early in his career, but Swearinger showed that he still has plenty left in the tank last season.

Instead of paying big to bring in Jefferson, signing Swearinger for less money and similar upside would make a ton of sense for the Chicago Bears.

Home/Chicago Bears