Former 49ers starter leaves door open to 2024 return while explaining events behind his suspension
Tashaun Gipson started for each of the last two seasons at safety for the San Francisco 49ers and, despite a recent suspension handed down by the NFL, there is still a chance of him featuring for the Niners in 2024. Gipson was last week handed a six-game suspension by the league for a violation of […]
Tashaun Gipson started for each of the last two seasons at safety for the San Francisco 49ers and, despite a recent suspension handed down by the NFL, there is still a chance of him featuring for the Niners in 2024.
Gipson was last week handed a six-game suspension by the league for a violation of its policy on performance-enhancing substances.
In a statement released by Gipson on Monday, the veteran free agent explained the events that led to his suspension.
Gipson said: "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. 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."
For the 49ers, the last sentence is perhaps the most important, with safety still a position of need for them two weeks out from veterans reporting to training camp. San Francisco is set to start Ji'Ayir Brown and Talanoa Hufanga, who both played alongside Gipson last year, at their two safety spots in 2024.
However, San Francisco lacks depth behind that pair, with rookie Malik Mustapha and special teamer George Odum the primary reserve options on the depth chart. Gipson would be an extremely useful veteran insurance policy who has great familiarity with the 49ers' defense.
The big question would concern Gipson's willingness to be a backup having started for the 49ers in the Super Bowl in February. But if he is willing to take on that role, the ban would not preclude San Francisco from signing Gipson and getting him ready for the new campaign by having him part in training camp and preseason before his suspension takes effect.
San Francisco general manager John Lynch revealed earlier this offseason that the 49ers had kept in touch with Gipson and would continue to do so.
To protect against Hufanga struggling in his return from a torn ACL or a sophomore slump from Brown, the Niners should make a move at safety. Gipson's desire to operate as a reserve and the 49ers' motivation to sign a player who won't be available for a third of the regular season will determine whether a potential reunion comes to pass.
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