NFC contender the Detroit Lions are urged to sign Super Bowl free agent Tashaun Gipson this offseason. According to a report, the Lions have been adding to the secondary, selecting cornerbacks in the first and second rounds. Many argue they need to add a receiver since they haven’t been able to re-sign Josh Reynolds. However, Bleacher Report’s Matt Holder said the Lions should target the veteran before the season.
According to Pro Football Focus, Gipson posted a grade of 73.5 and is a 12-year veteran who could help mentor the young secondary. It should help the Lions considering the Wyoming product has playoff experience after spending the last two seasons with the 49ers. He could provide some competition for the position alongside Kerby Joseph. However, the veteran has been a journeyman so it’s only a matter of time what he can do.
Gipson has 12 years of league experience under his belt while making the Pro Bowl with the Browns in 2014. He does provide some risk for the team considering the Lions are in a “win now” mode to chase a ring. However, they could count on him bouncing back this upcoming year to improve their secondary. The Lions don’t necessarily have a lot of options for a high-end free agent after giving mega deals to Jared Goff and Penei Sewell.
Detroit released veteran safety Tracy Walker and didn’t re-sign C.J. Gardner-Johnson, so adding anyone helps. Gipson could be some help in the short term while the young talent develops. According to a source, he was a steal as a free agent for the 49ers so he could probably be the same for the Lions. He may sneak in on a team right before the season starts so this is one to watch.
NFC Contender Detroit Lions Urged to Sign Super Bowl Free Agent Tashaun Gipson
They May Consider Other Options
Gipson seems to be the emergency option and final move that the Lions make in this year’s free agency. However, they need some star power in the safety position to help Joseph after the struggling season he had. It’s possible he can bounce back but adding Gipson wouldn’t hurt the team after all for cheap. If they want to improve the position overnight then they could target someone else but it may cost a little bit more.
Justin Simmons is still surprisingly available on the market so he may find a new home soon. The Lions would be a possible fit considering that he could be in the position to ring chase in his career. However, any safety that the Lions add could stunt Joseph’s growth. Simmons seems like the best possible option but Gipson makes sense financially if they don’t want any burden for their salary cap. It’s probably wise for the Lions to add some depth either way at the position in case.
Here are some other potential fits for Gipson.
Potential Fits
According to a report, the Ravens are still looking for help at the safety after losing Geno Stone this offseason. They may have Marlon Humphrey but a cheap option could help bolster the defense to avoid Lamar Jackson hitting the field often. However, the Saints are in the market for some secondary help as well. They were looking into Jamal Adams but they could look cheaper and add Gipson to add some experience alongside Tyrann Mathieu.
The Chiefs have not been adding any kind of talent to their secondary since the trade of L’Jarius Sneed. They still have Trent McDuffie at the cornerback position but they need some more experience. However, Justin Reid looks promising but a veteran insurance policy wouldn’t hurt. Even though they were able to add Kristian Fulton for their secondary for now they could add some depth to their safety position.
There aren’t a lot of available corners so they may add help for the safety position instead.
