The 49ers may not be in the market for a starting safety. Adding depth could be key to filling out their roster though given some of the uncertainty at the position. Veteran Tashaun Gipson, who was recently suspended for six games by the NFL for violating the league’s performance enhancing drug policy, could be on the short list of players San Francisco looks to add.
While the club isn’t necessarily in the market in the run-up to training camp, Gipson may be an option depending on how things begin to shake out in camp. There are question marks about Talanoa Hufanga’s health, as well as the readiness of second-year safety Ji’Ayir Brown and rookie fourth-round pick Malik Mustapha.
Even with his suspension, Gipson would make sense as a depth piece if something in the secondary goes haywire. He recently released a statement through his agent about his 6-game ban. Here’s the statement via Matt Maiocco of NBC Sports Bay Area:
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.
The NFL’s suspension would allow Gipson to participate in camp, but he’d be unavailable for the first six games of the year which may put a damper on enthusiasm to add him.
Gipson started 33 or 34 games for the 49ers the last two seasons and posted six interceptions with 11 pass breakups. The soon-to-be 34-year-old may not be an ideal starter at this point, but it’s hard to envision a better candidate if San Francisco is in the market for a reliable depth piece during camp or the regular season.
