Cleveland Browns: Former safety Tashaun Gipson suspended by NFL

Tashaun Gipson, who played four seasons with the Cleveland Browns, was reportedly suspended six games by the NFL for violating the league’s policy on performance-enhancing substances.

This is according to a statement by ESPN’s Adam Schefter.

The Browns originally signed Gipson as an undrafted free agent out of Wyoming in 2012 to join a secondary that included TJ Ward, Buster Skrine, Joe Haden and current special teams coordinator Bubba Ventrone.

Gipson played four seasons as a safety for Cleveland, making his only Pro Bowl appearance in 2014 after intercepting a career-high six passes and leading the league in return yards with 158.

Gipson left the Browns as a free agent after the 2015 season to sign with the Jacksonville Jaguars. He played three years with the Jaguars before joining the Houston Texans for the 2019 season and then the Chicago Bears for two seasons (2020 and 2021).

He was a full-time starter for the San Francisco 49ers the last two seasons and started in the Super Bowl against the Kansas City Chiefs, where he finished with five tackles.

During his time with the Browns, Gipson appeared in 50 games, started 42 times, and recorded 14 interceptions, two of which he returned for a touchdown, 240 tackles, and 23 pass breakups.

In his 12-year career, Gipson played 173 games, including 165 starts, and recorded 684 tackles, 33 interceptions and three defensive touchdowns.

Gipson, who turns 34 in August, is currently a free agent. The 49ers were reportedly interested in bringing him back for another season as they sought experienced safeties at the free agent level, but news of his suspension could dampen those desires.