Former Browns DT Phil Taylor headed to the Denver Broncos
February 23, 2016Where the Browns stand: Inside Linebackers
February 23, 2016One of the more productive players in the Cleveland Browns secondary may be on his way out of town. According to cleveland.com’s Mary Kay Cabot, safety Tashaun Gipson is set to walk away from Cleveland and leave in free agency when the new NFL year begins on March 9. Gipson has said that he would like to remain in Cleveland, especially with the return of defensive coordinator Ray Horton, but talks between him and the team have yet to take place.
From MKC:
Set to become a free agent March 9, other teams can enter into negotiations with Gipson (5-11, 205) on March 7.
To this point, Gipson hasn’t had much contact with the Browns, and it appears they’re prepared to let him walk.
He’s made it clear, however, that he’d like to return, and now that his former defensive coordinator Ray Horton is back, he undoubtedly wants to be back even more.
If he returns, Gipson could have a bounce-back 2016 in Horton’s high-pressure scheme. Horton said in his introductory press conference (the start of his second tour with the Browns) that he wanted Gipson back.
“I always from the moment I met [Gipson] appreciated his ability on the field and in the classroom – some things don’t get translated and you don’t see that. I loved who he was as a young man. I believe he is a free agent. Those things in the NFL business take care of themselves. I always have appreciated him when I was in the building, and I appreciated him from afar.”
Gipson said the right things about wanting to stay in Cleveland and be part of the franchise’s long-awaited turnaround, but it sounds like he will test the market. Former Browns cornerback Buster Skrine landed a four-year, $25 million contract in free agency.
“As cliché as it may sound, I’ll be excited to be here if I’m here. If I’m not, I still will always wish and hope that the Browns have success because they deserve it.”
“I truly love being here. I truly love the city and I want to be a part of it, man, when we go from worst to first. I want to be a part of that when it happens. But, you know, a lot of things go into this free agency, man, and we’ll see how the chips fall.”
Signed as an undrafted free agent in 2012, Gipson has totaled 235 tackles (156 solo), 14 interceptions, two touchdowns, 23 passes defended, and one forced fumble in his four NFL seasons (50 games, 42 starts). He had a breakout year in 2013 and made the Pro Bowl in 2014 on the strength of 52 tackles (28 solo), six interceptions, one touchdown, a forced fumble, and eight passes defended in just 11 games. Gipson has been amongst the league’s best DBs when healthy.
The Wyoming graduate signed a second-round tender for $2.4 million before last season, as he and the Browns couldn’t agree on a longer-term deal. Gipson struggled in 2015 while fighting through injuries for the majority of the year. Gipson, if healthy, could command a bigger deal, and has been targeting a contract similar to that of New England’s Devin McCourty who signed a five-year, $47.5 million deal in 2015.
6 Comments
Seems he’s been trying to capitalize on his one good year. Last year they tried to get something done, and he clearly had major dollar signs in his eyes–so even if they’re “not talking” now, they clearly know where he’s at in terms of position. Even after having a poor year (when he was healthy, he was ineffective), looks like he still hasn’t come back to reality.
If you’re seeking McCourty money (McC was a productive player for several years), then good luck elsewhere buddy.
I didn’t think the team was allowed to talk to players/agents right now.
The pressure of deadlines often spurs action.
I definitely want to see him stay. My favorite Tashaun moment was probably never caught on broadcast. This past year in preseason against the Redskins, Justin Gilbert got smoked on back-to-back plays on the first drive of the preseason. Gipson was the safety on that side, and it looked like it was supposed to man coverage both plays.
The first play was a 40-yd wide open TD that was badly overthrown by RG3… these were still the “Kirk Cousins: Backup Extraordinaire” days. Gilbert wasn’t even with 15 yards of Garcon. Gipson chased down Gilbert and was in Gilbert’s ear all the way back to the line, then as Gipson was getting back in position pre-snap, he’s waving at the sidelines to get Gilbert off the field. Next play is a little dinky pass that’s dropped by Gilbert’s man on 3rd down, meanwhile Gilbert looks like he’s a play late and is covering deep. Again, Gipson chases him and hounds him all the way to the bench, sits right next to him. This easily lasted three minutes. It was great.
It was amazing to see that level of passion (and frustration) from a player on the very first drive of the preseason. Perhaps a bit unprofessional, but I’m definitely giving the benefit of the doubt to anyone not named Justin Gilbert. I’m a fan. Bring him back.
I don’t think he is wort McCourty money, but the Browns should go ahead and pay this guy. Stop letting our own good FA’s walk.
Agree. People often through around comparatives to other players as a reason to or not to retain a player. For one, individual players are not commodities you can shop for on Amazon. More importantly, though, the value is what the market will pay him vs. what it will cost to replace him with similar or better. Very uncertain things.