On March 9, 2017, the Washington Redskins signed Swearinger to a three-year, $13.5 million contract with $9 million guaranteed to a signing bonus of $4 million.

He competed with Su'a Cravens, Will Blackmon, Earl Wolff, and Montae Nicholson for the starting free safety job.
Head coach Jay Gruden named Swearinger the starting free safety to begin the season.
His teammates voted him the Washington Redskins' defensive captain, although he was a free agent acquisition and was a new member of the team.

Swearinger started the Washington Redskins' season-opener against the Philadelphia Eagles and made five solo tackle and deflected a pass during their 17-30 loss.
He recorded two interceptions against quarterback Case Keenum in the Week 10 game against the Minnesota Vikings.
On March 9, 2017, the Washington Redskins signed Swearinger to a three-year, $13.5 million contract with $9 million guaranteed to a signing bonus of $4 million.
He competed with Su'a Cravens, Will Blackmon, Earl Wolff, and Montae Nicholson for the starting free safety job. Head coach Jay Gruden named Swearinger the starting free safety to begin the season. His teammates voted him the Washington Redskins' defensive captain, although he was a free agent acquisition and was a new member of the team.
Swearinger started the Washington Redskins' season-opener against the Philadelphia Eagles and made five solo tackle and deflected a pass during their 17-30 loss. He recorded two interceptions against quarterback Case Keenum in the Week 10 game against the Minnesota Vikings.
D. J. Swearinger