Tashaun Gipson, a safety, joined the San Francisco 49ers just 20 days before the 2022 season began. Gipson, on the other hand, never gave up his starting free safety job when Jimmie Ward was injured in training camp.
A source confirmed multiple reports, stating that Gipson has agreed to terms on a one-year contract worth up to $2.9 million and will hold it for at least another season.
In 2022, Gipson played for the Niners in all 20 games, including the playoffs. He had five interceptions, which ranked second in the NFL. He had 61 stops, one half-sack, and stopped eight passes.
After Ward suffered a hamstring injury in 2022, the 49ers initially signed Gipson to provide additional safety support. Gipson had been with the Cleveland Browns, Jacksonville Jaguars, Houston Texans, and Chicago Bears for ten years at the time.
Kyle Shanahan, the Niners’ head coach, knew Gipson from their time together with the Browns in 2014, when Gipson had six interceptions, a career high.
The NFL’s early negotiating window for free agency starts just hours before Gipson’s return. On Monday, at 12 p.m. ET, that window opens.
The 49ers will need to acquire additional safeties in the coming weeks even though Gipson is expected to return. Ward and fellow safety Tarvarius Moore will be unrestricted free agents when the league year opens on Wednesday.
