Veteran free-agent safety handed a six-game suspension
Tashaun Gipson.
Tashaun Gipson is among the numerous veteran safeties still on the free agent market, and that will likely continue for the foreseeable future. Gipson has been handed down a six-game suspension by the NFL, Aaron Wilson of KPRC2 reports.
The cause of the ban is unclear, but it will nevertheless limit his availability at the start of the 2024 campaign.
Gipson spent his last two seasons with the 49ers, and the team has been open to a reunion this offseason. With it remaining unclear if the 33-year-old intends to continue his career, though, San Francisco has elected to remain patient and allow him to decide on his future.
The team has struggled with injuries at the safety spot in recent years, and the draft addition of Malik Mustapha has lowered any potential urgency the 49ers would have proceeded with regarding a Gipson deal.
The latter has played 173 games (165 starts) across time with the Browns, Jaguars and Bears prior to his two-year San Francisco spell. It will be interesting to see if Tuesday’s news impacts his aspirations regarding his playing career.
Gipson has not previously received a suspension in his career, one which included a Pro Bowl nod in 2014. His resume features five seasons with at least three interceptions, the most recent of which came in 2022.
The former UDFA has remained steady in terms of coverage statistics as well, although in his case and others past performances has not translated to interest on the market this offseason.
The safety position has not fared well with respect to veteran producers in 2024, and the expectation remains most or all players still unsigned will be forced to settle for low-cost deals this summer.
Gipson was already on track to be in such a position, but his stock will no doubt take another hit in the wake of Tuesday’s suspension.
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