D.J. Swearinger released by Texans

D.J. Swearinger and the Houston Texans are parting ways after the former USC star was released Monday.

The former South Carolina standout announced via Instagram on Monday: “One heck of an opportunity (hashtag) texannation I appreciate everything and the opportunity and memories!! It’s time for a new chapter and the defining moment of my career!! So long (hashtag) HOUSTONTEXANS.”

Multiple report said Swearinger would be released if no trade partner was found.

Swearinger, 23, was a second-round draft selection in 2013. In 32 career games, he has 74 tackles, two interceptions and three forced fumbles.

The safety appeared in 16 games with 12 starts for the Texans last season. He started 10 games as a rookie in 2013.

Panthers sign Patrick Former South Carolina offensive lineman Ronald Patrick is among five tryout players who have signed contracts with the Carolina Panthers, the team announced Monday.

Patrick was among the 35 invited tryouts who participated in the team’s rookie minicamp this past weekend.

Patrick, from Cocoa, Fla., made 25 career starts for the Gamecocks. He was signed in 2014 by Dallas as an undrafted free agent and was most recently on the Pittsburgh practice squad.

The Panthers’ roster is now at 90 players. That includes former USC receiver Damiere Byrd, who signed with the team last week as an undrafted free agent. Byrd also participated in the rookie minicamp.

The Panthers also signed ex-Coastal Carolina tight end Jamie Childers, defensive end Rakim Cox, offensive lineman Jordan McCray and former Stanford fullback Lee Ward.

This story was originally published May 11, 2015 at 10:40 AM with the headline "D.J. Swearinger released by Texans."