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2016 NFL Free Agency Profile: Tashaun Gipson

By Erik Lambert

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Oct 26, 2014; Cleveland, OH, USA; Cleveland Browns free safety Tashaun Gipson (39) reacts after making a stop against the Oakland Raiders during the fourth quarter at FirstEnergy Stadium. The Browns won 23-13. Mandatory Credit: Ron Schwane-USA TODAY Sports

One of the hardest positions to solve in pro football is safety.  Tashaun Gipson could become a huge 2016 NFL free agency target, depending on what the Cleveland Browns do with him.

  • Age:  24
  • 52 tackles
  • 6 interceptions
  • 1 forced fumble
  • 8 passes defended
  • Pro Bowl (2014)

For the time being it is clear they want to keep him around another year and it’s not surprising.  Gipson has 11 interceptions in the past two seasons, making one of the best ball hawking safeties in the league.  To think he accomplished that feat despite missing five games in 2014 with an injury only reinforces his natural gift for taking the ball away.

At the same time, it’s unclear where Gipson stands on this.  He still has not signed his restricted free agent contract after the Browns put a 2nd round tender on it.  Recent history shows high-profile free agents are either avoiding the team or prefer to leave as Jordan Cameron most recently proved.

A big reason for that is simple stability.  Since owner Jimmy Haslam bought the team in 2012, there has not been any.  At all.  In that space of time they have had three different head coaches and three different general managers.  Players have grown tired of the constant changes and believe it’s a big reason why the franchise continues to struggle despite a talented roster.

Gipson could be that next young playmaker they lose because of that lack of consistency.  Much will depend on what happens in the weeks and months to come.  Another losing season might compel him to disregard any attempt by the team to re-sign him while another injury might scare them off from making an offer at all.

Very fluid situation indeed.

Likeliest Outcome:  Extension signed after season ends

Next: NFL Fantasy Football: Kevin White Heads Top Rookies

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