National Football League

D.J. Swearinger calls opportunity in Tampa a chance 'to get a new start'

Published May. 19, 2015 12:14 a.m. ET

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The Tampa Bay Buccaneers bolstered their depth at the safety position last week when they claimed D.J. Swearinger off waivers from the Houston Texans. In all honesty, it's a move that may very well end up benefitting both sides in a big way.

According to Pat Yasinskas of ESPN, Swearinger is ready to get a fresh start in a new town.

"I think it's a plus for me to get a new start," Swearinger told ESPN. "A new city, new coaches and new players around me. Just to start over again, that's a big key for me and it's something that I'm looking forward to."

As for what the Bucs get, it's an opportunity to see what this 23-year-old with only two years of experience under his belt could really be capable of. The competition at safety is wide open, with Swearinger expected to make a major case to be a starter in 2015.

Defensive coordinator Leslie Frazier also pointed out to ESPN that Swearinger can play both free and strong safety, which is important, as the Bucs "like their safeties to be interchangeable."

Tampa has made some interesting moves this offseason, but the decision to bring in Swearinger has the potential to be one of their best.

(h/t ESPN)

Photo Credit: Matthew Emmons-USA TODAY Sports