Former San Francisco 49ers safety, Tashaun Gipson, has been suspended for six games by the NFL. Gipson, who played the last two seasons with the 49ers, is an unrestricted free agent who was considering retirement after the Super Bowl. According to ESPN's Senior NFL Insider, Adam Schefter, Gipson is being suspended due to a violation of the league's performance-enhancing substances policy.
Free-agent safety Tashaun Gipson was suspended six games due to a violation of the performance enhancing substances policy. https://t.co/bW67oyoyGd
— Adam Schefter (@AdamSchefter) July 2, 2024
In 2023, Gipson started 16 regular season games for the 49ers during their Super Bowl run. He started all three postseason games, as well, including Super Bowl LVIII. In two seasons with the 49ers, Gipson started 39 games, had six interceptions, one and a half sacks, four tackles for loss, and 11 passes defended.
According to 49ers reporter, Matt Maiocco, Gipson "is eligible to sign and participate in all preseason activities, including games; his suspension will take effect as of the roster reduction to 53 players."
From the NFL: "Tashaun Gipson has been suspended by the Commissioner for the first six games of the 2024 season. He is eligible to sign and participate in all preseason activities, including games; his suspension will take effect as of the roster reduction to 53 players."
— Matt Maiocco (@MaioccoNBCS) July 2, 2024
While the suspension doesn't end Gipson's career, it certainly does not help his chances of returning in 2024. The 49ers likely had already moved on from Gipson, but he could have been an option if Talanoa Hufanga, who is returning from a torn ACL, isn't ready to go early in the season. Gipson's suspension almost guarantees he won't be back with the team.
Gipson has played 12 NFL seasons and was named to one Pro Bowl, in 2014, when he played for the Cleveland Browns.