Tashaun

Gipson Sr.

Gipson returns to the 49ers after spending the 2022-23 seasons with the team. He signed with the Jaguars for 2024, but served a suspension for violating the league’s performance enhancing substances policy. It was initially a six-game suspension, but Gipson was not reinstated after the six games. The Jaguars released him earlier in the week without Gipson having played a game for them and now he’s back with the 49ers. K Anders Carlson was released from the practice squad in a corresponding move.

We’re not quite sure why Gipson wasn’t reinstated, but barring a change later in the week, it sounds like the veteran safety will remain ineligible for the Jaguars’ Week 7 game against the Patriots in London. Gipson was suspended earlier this offseason for violating the league’s performance-enhancing substances policy and signed with the Jaguars back in August.

It was announced earlier this month that Gipson would serve a six-game suspension for violating the league’s performance-enhancing substances policy. The veteran safety released a statement on Monday saying he took a substance on one occasion, which he “thought to be completely safe and well within any of the NFL’s policies.” But also added that he takes “full responsibility” for anything he puts into his body and will accept the suspension. Gipson, who spent the last two seasons with the 49ers, said he looks forward to returning for a 13th season after serving his suspension. Gipson started all 33 games he appeared in with the 49ers and can still provide valuable depth and starting to any secondary in need of help on the back end.

Gipson has spent the last two seasons with the 49ers, starting in every game. The veteran was a Pro-Bowler with the Browns and has also spent time with the Texans, Jaguars, and Bears. The 33-year-old Gipson has yet to find a team for next season, but will now miss the first six games if and when he signs.

Released at last cuts in 2022, Gipson stuck on the 49ers roster, started all 17 games, and picked off five passes while adding 61 tackles. Gipson had the best-tackling season of his career and managed an 89.9 PFF run defense grade. He’ll head into training camp penciled in as a starting safety for the 49ers next to Talanoa Hufonga.

Although he is now 32 years old, Gipson remained a starter for the Bears last season, picking off a pair of passes across 12 games. Gipson is not the player he once, but he still has decent ball-hawking skills. His experience and proclivity for picks should keep him around on the workout circuit.

Deon Bush is expected to come off the bench and get the start at safety next to Eddie Jackson in place of Gipson. DeAndre Houston-Carson will continue his usual role in Chicago’s dime package.

Released by the Texans Monday, Gipson quickly finds a new home and will be the favorite to start next to All-Pro FS Eddie Jackson. The Bears have had a revolving door at that spot after letting Adrian Amos walk as a free agent. Ha Ha Clinton-Dix filled the spot last year before going to Dallas this offseason. Gipson turns 30 prior to Week 1. He’s been a replacement-level starter the last couple years in Jacksonville and Houston. Gipson has 23 career interceptions.

Gipson’s Texans tenure is over after 14 games. The move creates $3.2 million in cap space and leaves behind $4.25 million in dead money. The Texans did not address safety in their small draft class, but soon-to-be 30-year-old Gipson did not have a strong 2019 before landing on injured reserve with a back injury. His ailment, which he played through before aggravating, surely played a part. Gipson’s experience and ball-hawking skills will undoubtedly earn him another chance.

Gipson played through both a broken wrist and “transverse process fracture in his lower back” this season, aggravating the latter ailment in Week 17. The 29-year-old spent time at both safety spots, though his play had dropped off from his time with the Jaguars. Jahleel Addae is the Texans’ No. 3 safety behind Gipson and Justin Reid. Gipson is signed in Houston through 2021.