Tashaun Gipson suspended 6 games, per source: What could this mean for 49ers?

Authors: David Lombardi, Matt Barrows and Alex Andrejev

The NFL has suspended free agent Tashaun Gipson for six games for violating the league’s performance-enhancing substance policy, a league source confirmed Tuesday. ESPN was first to report the news.

Gipson, 33, spent the past two seasons with the San Francisco 49ers and started in the Super Bowl against the Kansas City Chiefs, recording five tackles in the loss. He appeared in 16 regular-season games, compiling 60 tackles, one sack and one interception last season. He recorded 14 tackles in three games in the postseason.

Before joining the 49ers in 2022 — a season in which he had 61 tackles and five interceptions in 17 games — Gipson played two seasons with the Chicago Bears. He also played for the Houston Texans, Jacksonville Jaguars and Cleveland Browns during his 12-year NFL career.

In 2012, he signed with the Browns as a free agent after completing his collegiate career at Wyoming.

What could this mean for Gipson’s potential return to San Francisco?

Does Gipson, who turns 34 next month, want to continue playing? It’s unclear, but 49ers general manager John Lynch said this spring that he had been in touch with Gipson. At the time, the 49ers were clearly interested in acquiring the veteran safety, having hosted free agents Rayshawn Jenkins and Julian Blackmon. But both ended up signing elsewhere, and the 49ers used a fourth-round draft pick on safety Malik Mustapha.

If they’re still looking for a veteran safety, perhaps this news makes Gipson a practice squad fit. Gipson’s suspension means he can’t sign a contract with the expectation of playing in the starting lineup — and the 49ers could keep their veteran leader. But that’s all theoretical and depends on Gipson’s willingness to return for at least another season. — David Lombardi, 49ers reporter

What does the 49ers safety zone look like?

The 49ers like to have a seasoned, experienced safety on their roster and have shown interest in signing someone — including Gipson — who fits that description before the season begins. The two best players at the position right now are second-year starter Ji’Ayir Brown and George Odum, who has mostly been a special teams player so far in his career. Talanoa Hufanga, meanwhile, is progressing after tearing his ACL in November but may not be fully recovered until Week 1.

The other safeties on the roster are Mustapha, Erik Harris, Tayler Hawkins and undrafted rookie Jaylen Mahoney. Gipson could practice with the team if he signs, but he can’t appear in the first six games. — Matt Barrows, 49ers Senior Writer

(Photo: Ryan Kang/Getty Images)