Not long after they hosted him for a workout, the 49ers are indeed adding a veteran to their safety room. San Francisco is signing Tashaun Gipson, reports ESPN’s Adam Schefter (on Twitter). 
The 32-year-old auditioned for the 49ers last week, so the deal comes as little surprise. Gipson is coming off of a two-year stint in Chicago where he posted a pair of interceptions in each campaign. His age and struggles in pass coverage left him on the open market deep into the offseason, however, a stark contrast to the regard he was held in earlier in his ball-hawking career.
The former UDFA has recorded at least one pick in each of his 10 seasons in the league, including six in his lone Pro Bowl campaign in 2014. Especially if he plays a more limited role than he is accustomed to (he has logged a snap share of at least 91% during every year since his rookie season), then, Gipson should be able to provide quality play on the backend for the 49ers.
San Francisco may, at least temporarily, need the Wyoming alum to start, however. Jimmie Ward is currently sidelined with a hamstring injury, and his Week 1 availability remains in doubt. The questions surrounding Ward likely drove the team’s search for a veteran insurance policy, especially one like Gipson who has 132 starts to his name. Other options on the roster include Tarvarius Moore and George Odum to pair with Talanoa Hufanga at safety during Ward’s absence.
The 49ers will be the fifth team Gipson suits up for, joining the Browns, Jaguars, Texans and Bears. He likely won’t be able to replicate the success of earlier in his career, but could prove to be an effective addition especially if Ward ends up missing any significant time.
Good signing consider the absolute state of the niners secondary
Seeing as how the Niners play the Bears in week 1, it’s a good sign