The Oakland Raiders have picked up two players recently because of injury and to improve their defense. Oakland signed safety D.J Swearinger and edge rusher Dion Jordan. Both players are being brought in to help the Raiders defense down the stretch to make the playoffs.
D.J Swearinger
Oakland Raiders lost safety Karl Joesph for the season, and they have signed safety D.J Swearinger. Swearinger had worked out recently for the Raiders and was secure signing to make once the news on Joesph dropped.
Swearinger has been in the NFL for seven seasons and has played some excellent football. From 2016-2018, he has 11 total interceptions. Swearinger started the season for the Arizona Cardinals, but the Cardinals wanted to go young and released veteran safety.
The former Cardinals safety is outstanding in zone coverage; he prides himself on his ability to watch film and learn tendencies of the opposing offense. Swearinger is also a big bitter and plays some in the box safety as well like Karl Joesph. In his Career, Swearinger has 393 tackles, 4,5 sacks, 14 interceptions, and 40 passes defended. He will bring a veteran presence to a young Raiders secondary; it will be interesting to see how this plays out.
Dion Jordan
Dion Jordan was drafted third in the 2013 NFL draft by the Miami Dolphins. Jordan has outstanding speed and quickness for his size. Jordan’s Career has been disappointing. After two seasons with the Dolphins, he moved on to the Seahawks. He has also lost two years to NFL suspensions. Jordan was suspended for violating the NFL’s PED policy.
In his two seasons in Seattle, Jordan had 5.5 sacks and 40 tackles. The Raiders are giving Jordan another chance, which could be his last chance.
Jordan is a talented player, and the Raiders are hoping his speed on the edge could lead to some more quarterback pressures and sacks. WIth Arden Key done for the season, it will be plenty of opportunities for Jordan to get on the field behind starters Maxx Crosby, Clelin Ferrell, and sack leader Benson Mayowa.
If Jordan can play close to his potential, it will be an excellent signing for the Raiders. You can never have too many pass rushers on your team. Only time will tell what Jordan can do for the Raiders, let’s hope he plays well and helps improve the Raiders defense.
