When the 49ers re-signed Tashaun Gipson to a one-year deal this offseason, it felt more like a hedge in case the team couldn’t land another safety during free agency. But that underscores what Gipson meant to the Niners defense in 2022.
First and foremost, Gipson was available. He started every game from Week 1 through the NFC Championship, totaling over 1,200 snaps defensively. There were no guessing games as to who would start at safety, which provides the ultimate peace of mind for any defensive coordinator.
When you think about Gipson’s game, your mind instantly goes to his interception total of five.