When he didn't see playing time in two straight games with the Cowboys, wide receiver/return specialist Reggie Swinton knew something was "fishy" in Dallas, but he didn't expect to be traded.
Especially not far north to Green Bay. But that's just what happened Tuesday, when the Packers sent a conditional fourth-round pick in the 2004 draft to the Cowboys to acquire the third-year veteran.
"It surprised me," Swinton said of the trade Wednesday following his first practice with his new team. "I'm shocked right now still."
For that he can hardly be blamed.
In Dallas, Swinton left behind his job for the past two seasons, his fiancé and his recently purchased home. Not to mention some decidedly warmer weather.
"I'm still getting adjusted here," Swinton said. "It's freezing. I'm in a hotel. I wish I had a house to live in, but I'll be fine."
Packers GM/Head Coach Mike Sherman said he continues to be "very pleased" with current return man Antonio Chatman, but he didn't want to pass up Swinton's versatility.
"This guy can be a fourth receiver at some time and also give us a kickoff return," Sherman said. "I'm very pleased with Chatman, but this makes us a deeper football team."
Used primarily as a kickoff returner in Dallas, Swinton said he's eager to find out where he fits in the Packers' picture.
"I want to play and I don't care where," Swinton said. "Now I'm a Packer and I'll make plays here, too."
