S Tashaun Gipson suspended for six games

Tashaun Gipson is one of several veteran safeties still on the free agent market, and will likely remain so for the foreseeable future. Gipson has been suspended for six games by the NFL, reports Aaron Wilson of KPRC2.

The reason for the ban is unclear, but it will limit his availability at the start of the 2024 season. Gipson spent his last two seasons with the 49ers, and the team was open to a reunion this offseason. However, as it remains unclear whether the 33-year-old wants to continue his career, San Francisco has decided to remain patient and let him decide his future.

The team has struggled with injuries at the safety position in recent years, and the signing of Malik Mustapha has diminished any potential urgency the 49ers might have had regarding a Gipson deal. The latter played 173 games (165 starts) with the Browns, Jaguars and Bears before his two-year stint in San Francisco. It will be interesting to see if today’s news affects his ambitions regarding his playing career.

Gipson has never been suspended in his career; he was named to the Pro Bowl in 2014. His resume includes five seasons with at least three interceptions, the most recent of which will come in 2022. The former UDFA has also remained steady in terms of coverage stats, although in his case and others, past performances have not translated into interest on the market this offseason.

The safety position has not fared well compared to veteran players in 2024, and it is expected that most or all of the players who have not yet signed a contract will be forced to settle for cheap deals this summer. Gipson was already well on his way to getting into such a position, but his stock will undoubtedly take another hit after today’s suspension.