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Tashaun Gipson

Jaguars Release Veteran S Tashaun Gipson

November 4th, 2024 at 6:44pm CST by Ely Allen

Shortly after releasing Rayshawn Jenkins near the opening of free agency, the Jaguars signed a potential replacement in veteran safety Tashaun Gipson. Unfortunately, Gipson will not be able to stretch his second stint in Jacksonville to the field as the Jaguars announced his release today from the exempt/commissioner’s permission list.

Gipson was placed on the list in preparation to return from a six-game suspension levied by the NFL for violating the league’s policy against performance-enhancing drugs. Some posited that, at 34 years old, Gipson might avoid the suspension altogether by retiring after 12 seasons in the league, but Gipson made it clear that he would not appeal the suspension and had intentions to play in 2024.

An undrafted free agent out of Wyoming for the Browns in 2012, Gipson almost immediately found his place in the NFL becoming a full-time starter and intercepting five passes in 2013. The following year, Gipson made his only Pro Bowl, leading the NFL with 158 interception return yards. That yardage came off six picks in just 11 games. Since then, Gipson has played full-time starting roles with the Jaguars, Texans, Bears, and most recently, the 49ers. His 33 career interceptions rank fourth among active defenders behind only Patrick Peterson (36), Tyrann Mathieu (35), and Harrison Smith (35).

The Jaguars were hoping to pair Gipson with Andre Cisco at safety, but knowing that he’d miss at least six games, they figured to use fellow Wyoming alum Andrew Wingard as a starter in the interim. Unfortunately, a knee injury in August landed Wingard on injured reserve, where he’s remained to this day. With Wingard and Gipson out, Jacksonville has split time between Antonio Johnson and Darnell Savage next to Cisco with less than satisfactory results.

The release of Gipson is interesting as the team ranks 31st in the NFL in passing yards allowed through nine weeks. Even if he’s a step slower at 34, one would think that Gipson would be an immediate upgrade next to Cisco. Sitting in the AFC South basement at 2-7, the Jaguars may be accepting their lot for the 2024 season. With eyes towards the future, an aging veteran on a one-year contract doesn’t really fit into the picture.

Additionally, Jacksonville announced that offensive guard Cooper Hodges has been placed on IR, opening up a spot on the 53-man roster. A seventh-round pick last year out of Appalachian State, Hodges made his NFL debut this year after spending his rookie year on IR. After appearing in all nine games and making his first career start last week, Hodges suffered a serious leg injury on a two-point conversion attempt, getting carted off the field and transported to the hospital.

Minor NFL Transactions: 10/31/24

October 31st, 2024 at 6:52pm CST by Adam La Rose

Thursday’s minor moves:

Jacksonville Jaguars

New York Jets

Pittsburgh Steelers

  • Released: T Dylan Cook

Tampa Bay Buccaneers

Gipson was issued a six-game PED suspension in July, but he has yet to be reinstated by the league. Today’s development marks a step in that direction, however, since it allows the 34-year-old to begin practicing. Once he is brought back into the fold Gipson will take on a role in the Jags’ secondary (or at least on special teams) as he plays what could be the final season of his 13-year career.

DB Notes: Lassiter, Texans, Colts, Simmons, Davis, Lions, Chiefs, Dolphins, Hawks, Jags

August 20th, 2024 at 3:54pm CST by Sam Robinson

The Texans showed interest in re-signing Steven Nelson this offseason, but the two-year Houston starter ended up retiring. Houston has identified another clear candidate to start opposite Derek Stingley. The defending AFC South champions are prepared to roll with second-rounder Kamari Lassiter as their No. 2 cornerback. Not much drama exists here, with KPRC2’s Aaron Wilson indicating Lassiter has worked with Houston’s first-team defense since the offseason program. Although Lassiter sustained an ankle injury earlier during training camp, the No. 42 overall pick reclaimed his starter post — ahead of former first-rounders Jeff Okudah and C.J. Henderson — and will be expected to work in tandem with Stingley.

“For a young guy to come in and not be noticed a lot for doing something negative, everything has been positive with Kamari,” Texans HC DeMeco Ryans said. “He’s exactly the guy we saw from the Georgia film.”

Here is the latest from several other DB situations:

  • The Chiefs still need to decide on a No. 2 corner opposite Trent McDuffie. Long known for moving on from corners after one contract (as they most recently did with L’Jarius Sneed), the Chiefs have a few options — most acquired in 2022. Fourth- and seventh-round picks from that draft Joshua Williams and Jaylen Watson, who played extensively last year, lead the way. No one has seized the job, per The Athletic’s Nate Taylor, who has 2022 seventh-rounder Nazeeh Johnson, rookie sixth-rounder Kamal Hadden and former Cowboys second-rounder Kelvin Joseph making the team as well (subscription required). Versatile performer Chamarri Conner, a 2023 fourth-rounder, will be in the mix at corner, but Andy Reid said (via Taylor) this could be a rotation into the season.
  • Justin Simmons accepted a one-year, $7.5MM Falcons deal. That price being so far beyond what other veteran safeties commanded confirms a decent market formed for the perennial All-Pro. The Colts‘ questions in the secondary did not lead them into this chase, however, with the Indianapolis Star’s Nate Atkins indicating the team did not make the ex-Bronco an offer. Former third-rounder Nick Cross, recently re-signed veteran Ronnie Harrison and third-year performer Rodney Thomas have rotated in alongside Julian Blackmon in camp. Colts assistant GM Ed Dodds said no safety moves are anticipated.
  • Seeing his three-year contract traded from the Buccaneers to the Lions, Carlton Davis remains scheduled to be a 2025 free agent. Davis will be 27 for most of this season, which should give him a decent market — should no Detroit extension be reached in the meantime — come March. A new agency will be representing the former second-rounder for his next negotiation. Davis is joining Athletes First, per a recent announcement.
  • Jalen Ramsey and Kendall Fuller will start on the boundary for the Dolphins, with former UDFA success story Kader Kohou in place as Miami’s slot defender. Despite Cam Smith being a second-round pick, the Miami Herald’s Barry Jackson notes Ethan Bonner — a 2023 UDFA who has stood out in training camp — is the frontrunner to be Miami’s top backup CB. Bonner, who recently returned from a concussion sustained in camp, played only 11 defensive snaps last season. While Smith recently came back after missing nearly three weeks due to injury, ESPN.com’s Marcel Louis-Jacques adds he is week-to-week after sustaining another injury against the Commanders. Despite playing 15 games last season, Smith only saw 20 defensive snaps.
  • The base value on Julian Love‘s second Seahawks contract checks in at $33MM, per OverTheCap. The three-year deal includes $11.97MM guaranteed at signing and dropped Love’s cap number by just more than $1.6MM. Option bonuses (worth a combined $4.8MM) are in place to keep the cap hits lower, with both Love’s 2024 and ’25 cap figures coming in at just over $6MM. Love’s 2025 base salary ($1.2MM) is guaranteed for injury and will shift to a full guarantee five days after Super Bowl LIX, ESPN.com’s Brady Henderson tweets.
  • The Jaguars‘ Tashaun Gipson reunion pact is worth $2.55MM, Wilson tweets. It comes with $525K guaranteed. The Jags will still be shorthanded at safety for a while. In addition to Gipson’s six-week suspension, Doug Pederson said (via ESPN.com’s Michael DiRocco) Andrew Wingard‘s recent knee injury will sideline him for at least a few games.

Jaguars To Sign S Tashaun Gipson

August 11th, 2024 at 2:33pm CST by Adam La Rose

As he hoped, Tashaun Gipson has indeed landed a deal for the 2024 season. The veteran safety is set to sign with the Jaguars on a one-year contract, ESPN’s Adam Schefter reports.

Gipson’s playing future has been the subject of speculation this offseason. The 34-year-old spent the past two seasons in San Francisco, and the 49ers were known to be open to re-signing him. The team opted to take a patient approach and allow Gipson to decide on his next steps. Now, he is set to play at least one more year and return to a familiar team in doing so.

Gipson played in Jacksonville from 2016-18, retaining a full-time starting role during that time. The former UDFA had one of his most productive campaigns in 2017, notching four interceptions and seven pass deflections. His first stint in Duval County was followed by a one-year tenure with the Texans and then two-year spells with the Bears and 49ers. Now, Gipson will attempt to find a role upon returning to Jacksonville.

Of course, the Wyoming alum will be sidelined for the first six weeks of the campaign due to a PED suspension. Gipson will be eligible to take part in the remainder of the preseason, but he will be sidelined for the beginning of the regular season provided he makes the roster. Jacksonville has Andre Cisco, Terrell Edmunds and Daniel Thomas in the fold at the safety spot. Andrew Wingard is currently on the mend, while free agent addition Darnell Savage is spending time at slot corner.

The Jags signed Adrian Amos last week, and he too is a veteran capable of providing experienced depth in the secondary. Gipson will use the coming weeks to compete for a roster spot in a crowded safety room. Jacksonville entered today with nearly $27MM in cap space, so today’s low-cost move will not carry significant financial implications.

S Tashaun Gipson Aims To Play In 2024, Will Not Appeal PED Suspension

July 8th, 2024 at 1:41pm CST by Adam La Rose

Tashaun Gipson‘s free agent stock took a hit last week when he was issued a six-game suspension for violating the NFL’s PED policy. The veteran safety will not appeal the ban, but he still intends to play in 2024.

“During this offseason I took a supplement one time, which I thought to be completely safe and well within any of the NFL’s policies,” a statement from Gipson reads. “It was in no way related to performance, training, or gaining an advantage of any kind at any time. I have competed at this level for a long time, and have nothing but respect for the game and the fraternity of players in it.

“The NFL’s policy on performance enhancing substances is clear, and I take full responsibility for anything I put into my body. It is with great disappointment that I accept this suspension, and I do so knowing that I have never even attempted to cheat the game. I look forward to returning for my 13th NFL season and helping a team compete for a championship.”

Gipson, 33, spent the past two seasons with the 49ers. He remained a full-time starter during that time, as he has each year since his rookie campaign. San Francisco elected to remain patient with him and allow him to decide on his playing future, something which was in doubt even before the news of his suspension. His comments make it clear, however, that retirement is not under consideration.

While the former Pro Bowler will be sidelined for the first six contests of the regular season, he is eligible to sign with an interested team at any time. Hindering his value is the depth of other veteran defensive backs still on the market leading up to the start of training camp, most (if not all) of whom will represent a more attractive option to suitors. Nevertheless, Gipson should generate a market of some kind amongst teams which do not make other additions in the secondary this summer, something which would allow him to meet his goal of playing a 13th NFL campaign.

S Tashaun Gipson Handed Six-Game Suspension

July 2nd, 2024 at 7:05pm CST by Adam La Rose

7:05pm: Gipson has been suspended for violating the league’s policy against performance-enhancing substances, per Cam Inman of The Mercury News.

3:30pm: 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 today’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 today’s suspension.

49ers Notes: Cousins, Deebo, Gipson, Green

May 8th, 2024 at 10:02pm CST by Sam Robinson

No matter how successful the 49ers become, we cannot seem to move past “what if?” scenarios involving bigger-name QBs. Although Tom Brady is retired (for the time being, at least), Kirk Cousins made a second free agency defection. The former Kyle Shanahan Washington pupil received a $100MM practical guarantee from the Falcons, tying him to the team for at least two seasons. Atlanta’s Michael Penix Jr. pick raised the most eyebrows of any in the draft (and stunned Cousins), and one GM said (via the Washington Post’s Jason La Canfora) the Falcons do not choose Penix at No. 8 if they do not believe a Cousins trade destination will emerge. Another GM viewed the Penix pick as a path for Cousins to, at long last, reunite with Shanahan in San Francisco.

It would cost the Falcons $37.5MM in dead money to trade Cousins before June 1 next year, and while one of the GMs who spoke to La Canfora the NFC South team would likely be willing to eat dead money to move the high-priced starter (presuming Penix is ready), the 49ers passing on a Brock Purdy extension to bring in a QB ahead of his age-37 season would be quite the development. Jed York has spoken of a Purdy extension, though La Canfora posits the former Mr. Irrelevant’s asking price could point Shanahan back to Cousins.

The 49ers made early preparations to sign Cousins in 2018, before their Jimmy Garoppolo extension, but Shanahan has long been a fan — to the point the 49ers were willing to offer No. 2 overall for the then-Washington QB in 2017. While dot connecting makes sense after the surprising Penix pick, several hurdles appear in the path to Cousins joining the 49ers this late in the game. Here is the latest out of San Francisco:

49ers Notes: Gipson, Purdy, Yiadom, Mond

April 10th, 2024 at 12:12pm CST by Sam Robinson

Safety became an issue for the 49ers last season, with Talanoa Hufanga suffering a season-ending injury on Thanksgiving. The team brought in Logan Ryan as an emergency pickup, and the versatile veteran ended up sliding into a key slot role down the stretch. Ryan has since retired, and another safety regular to close out San Francisco’s Super Bowl season is unsigned. Although Tashaun Gipson is going into an age-34 season, John Lynch said the team has engaged in talks about re-signing the veteran. Gipson has been a full-time starter in San Francisco over the past two seasons. However, the 49ers are looking at other experienced safeties.

“The safety market took a beating,” Lynch said, via The Athletic’s Matt Barrows (subscription required). “It took years to get the guys to where they were being compensated. A bunch of them got cut, so a bunch of great players are out there. It’d be foolish of us to not take a look.”

With Hufanga on the way back, the 49ers have a host of options to consider outside of Gipson. The Broncos released four-time All-Pro Justin Simmons, while the Seahawks cut Jamal Adams and Quandre Diggs. Eddie Jackson and Marcus Maye are also available due to roster cuts, and Micah Hyde remains unsigned as well. This many proven options available will cut into this group’s earning potential, but it represents good news for safety-needy teams. Though, the 49ers rostering 2023 third-rounder Ji’Ayir Brown may limit their interest in spending much for a veteran.

Here is the latest out of San Francisco:

  • Had the 49ers not ended the 2022 draft by selecting Brock Purdy, he would already be extension-eligible due to UDFAs only needing to play two years before being free to sign for veteran terms. The 49ers must keep the former seventh-round pick on his rookie deal through at least the 2024 season, but the Super Bowl starter did fare well via the NFL’s proven performance escalator system. Tied to an $870K base salary in 2023, Purdy nearly doubled his money via PPE earnings ($740K), ESPN.com’s Adam Schefter tweets. Purdy, 24, is tied to a $985K base salary this season; 49ers owner Jed York is already discussing the prospect of a monster extension come 2025.
  • Recent signee Isaac Yiadom is set to compete for a regular job on the outside, Lynch said. Yiadom, a former Broncos third-rounder who enjoyed a quality season with the Saints after his career struggled to take off for years, will join Ambry Thomas, Darrell Luter and Samuel Womack in competing for the primary boundary job opposite Charvarius Ward. A member of that quartet impressing would allow the 49ers to move Deommodore Lenoir inside in sub-packages. Lenoir has played both outside and inside in his career; he closed last season on the outside, as Ryan patrolled the slot.
  • Former Vikings third-round pick Kellen Mond worked out for the 49ers on Wednesday, Barrows adds. The Texas A&M product has been with three teams in three years. After a Vikings cut led Mond to a third-string role with the Browns, his failure to make Cleveland’s 53-man roster last year keyed a move to the Colts’ practice squad. Mond did not see any action in 2023, and the Colts did not keep him on a reserve/futures deal. The 49ers lost Sam Darnold to the Vikings but re-signed Brandon Allen and added recent Vikings starter Joshua Dobbs. While teams regularly bring four QBs into offseason programs, Mond would not seem to have much upward mobility if he caught on with San Francisco.
  • A recent roster violation led the NFL to strip the 49ers of a 2025 fifth-round pick. Lynch said the penalty stemmed from (via NBC Sports Bay Area’s Matt Maiocco) the team overpaying an unspecified player by $75K during the pandemic period. Rather than contacting the NFL about this, the 49ers’ effort to recoup the money brought on the violation.

49ers Re-Sign S Tashaun Gipson

March 12th, 2023 at 9:44pm CST by Ely Allen

Following up on yesterday’s rumor that the 49ers were interested in bringing back potential free agent safety Tashaun Gipson, the two parties have agreed to a new one-year contract to keep Gipson in red and gold, according to Mike Garafolo of NFL Network. Gipson will return to start in the defensive backfield opposite first-team All-Pro Talanoa Hufanga.

Gipson joined the 49ers just prior to the start of the 2022 season, eight days before the 53-man roster cut deadline. He didn’t make the initial 53-man roster and was signed to the practice squad. Gipson was a practice squad elevation in Week 1 to fill in for an injured Jimmie Ward and, two days later, was officially promoted to the active roster.

Gipson had a resurgent 2022 season for San Francisco returning five interceptions for 141 yards, numbers he hadn’t reached since his early years in Cleveland. He started every game of the season at safety alongside Hufanga, with both helping to form the league’s best scoring defense.

Gipson’s new deal is worth $2.9MM, according to Doug Kyed of A to Z Sports. The contract has a guaranteed amount of $2.17MM consisting of a $1MM signing bonus and $1.17MM of salary. Gipson will receive a per game active roster bonus of $40,000 for a potential additional season total of $680,000. He’ll also receive a $50,000 workout bonus. The deal also includes $300,000 in potential incentives that can be triggered through interceptions, fumble recoveries, playing time, team achievements, and a Pro Bowl selection. The contract includes three voidable years to spread out Gipson’s cap hit.

It was assumed that only one of Gipson or Ward would be re-signed, sending the other to the free agent market. With Gipson’s new contract, Ward, the longtime 49ers defensive back, will likely be testing the free agent waters. It may be difficult to say goodbye to Ward, who has been with the team since 2014, but it’s hard not to recognize the outstanding accomplishments of Gipson’s surprising year.

From beginning the year on the practice squad to starting every game of the season, Gipson surpassed all expectations and had a strong season while doing so. In return, Gipson has earned an opportunity to stay with one of the league’s top defenses, which should only assist him in continuing to excel.

NFC Free Agency Rumors: Mayfield, Williams, Cominsky, Gipson, Beachum

March 11th, 2023 at 12:56pm CST by Ely Allen

Former Browns and Panthers quarterback Baker Mayfield was brought in as an emergency option for the Rams last year after an injury to starter Matthew Stafford and ineffective starts by backup John Wolford. Mayfield would go on to win two of five games for the Rams to end a disastrous season in Los Angeles, but after ending the year as the Rams’ starter, Mayfield is not expected to re-sign in LA, according to Albert Breer of Sports Illustrated.

Breer posits that Mayfield will only want to play for a team that will allow him to compete for the starting quarterback job or for a system in which he believes he can unseat the starting quarterback. This could see the former Heisman winner headed back to Texas in Houston or any potential sites such as Atlanta, Indianapolis, Las Vegas, Pittsburgh, or Tampa Bay. As long as Stafford remains in Los Angeles, though, it appears that Mayfield will not want to remain as a solidified backup.

Here are a few other free agency rumors from around the conference:

  • Following an incredible breakout season in Detroit, there is reportedly mutual interest between the Lions and Jamaal Williams in signing a new contract, according to Nolan Bianchi of The Detroit News. The statement comes from Lions executive vice president and general manager Brad Holmes who discovered the interest during preliminary discussions with unrestricted free agents. Williams led the league with 17 rushing touchdowns last season while also recording career-highs in touches (274) and total yardage (1,139).
  • Another Lion bound for free agency, versatile defensive end John Cominsky is set to earn an impressive new contract following a breakout year in Detroit. According to NFL Network’s Mike Garafolo, Cominsky could earn over $5MM per year in a new deal. Waived last offseason by Atlanta, Cominsky received plenty of interest on the waiver wire with eight teams reportedly submitting claims. It’s no question of why as the defensive lineman’s breakout season came as he played through a broken thumb.
  • Following his first season in San Francisco, the 49ers are reportedly interested in bringing back veteran safety Tashaun Gipson, according to Matt Barrows of The Athletic. Gipson had a resurgent season in the Bay Area reeling in five interceptions and returning them for a total of 141 yards, harkening back to his first few years in Cleveland. Gipson and longtime 49er Jimmie Ward are both bound for free agency, and San Francisco will likely strive to bring one of them back to start alongside second-year safety Talanoa Hufanga who earned first-team All-Pro honors in 2022.
  • Cardinals starting right tackle Kelvin Beachum is currently headed towards free agency after three years in Arizona. Freelance journalist and former Cardinals staff writer Mike Jurecki would like to see Arizona re-sign the veteran heading into his age 34 season, but it’s a big ask for a team that has capable starters in D.J. Humphries and Josh Jones at tackle. With two players already under contract, it’ll be difficult to convince the Cardinals’ brass to bring Beachum back. Beachum may have priced himself out of Arizona as Jurecki points out that there will certainly be a market for the veteran who is still playing well.
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