The Chicago Bears made their already-dominant defense better with the free-agent signing of veteran safety Tashaun Gipson. He joins a secondary that consists of running mate Eddie Jackson, and cornerbacks Kyle Fuller and rookie Jaylon Johnson.
On paper, the Bears defense looks virtually unstoppable after some key offseason acquistions. After upgrading their pass rush this offseason with the additions of former All-Pro Robert Quinn and rookie Trevis Gipson, Chicago strengthened their secondary with a proven veteran playmaker in Tashaun Gipson.
Let’s get to know the newest Bears safety.
1. Gipson becomes the presumptive starter at strong safety
After not addressing safety in the 2020 NFL Draft, the Bears found a veteran safety with plenty of starting experience that figures to be the starter opposite Eddie Jackson when the 2020 season kicks off. Gipson could wind up being an upgrade over the departed Ha Ha Clinton-Dix, who had a solid outing in his lone season with Chicago.
While Gipson has played most of his career as a free safety, the Bears appear to have confidence that Gipson will thrive in the role as strong safety alongside Jackson, who will return to free safety this season, where he’s been at his best.
2. Gipson has recorded one interception in every season since entering the league in 2012
The Bears have a plethora of playmakers on defense, and they added another with the free-agent signing of Gipson. Believe it or not, Gipson has recorded one interception in every one of his eight years in the NFL, which certainly makes him a valuable member of this defense.
Gipson has three seasons where he’s notched just one pick, but he’s also had seasons where he’s eclipsed the four-interception mark — three times — including a career-high six interceptions with the Browns in 2014. Adding a playmaker like Gipson to an already dominant defense only serves to make this defense even better.
3. Gipson’s lone Pro Bowl season came in 2014
Gipson has been a consistent starter in this league since he entered the league in 2012 with the Cleveland Browns. Gipson was a dependable safety for the Browns in four seasons, but his best season came in 2014. Gipson had 52 tackles, eight passes defensed, one forced fumble and a career-high six interceptions, including one for a score, all in 11 games for the Browns. It was enough to earn him his lone Pro Bowl nod.
4. Gipson was part of that dominating Jaguars defense in 2017
Gipson comes to a Bears defense that’s gearing up for a return to dominance in 2020. But this certainly won’t be the first great defense Gipson has played for. Gipson was a starting safety for the 2017 Jacksonville Jaguars, a defense considered historically great by some NFL analysts.
In 2017, the Jags defense finished near the top of the league in several defensive categories. They led the NFL in forced fumbles (17), completion percentage (56.8), passing yards allowed per game (169.9), passer rating (68.5) and defensive touchdowns (7). They finished second in the league in sacks (55), interceptions (21), total takeaways (33), yards allowed per game (286.1) and points allowed per game (16.8)
5. Gipson was an undrafted free agent out of Wyoming
Considering the staying power that Gipson has had in the NFL, it’s hard to imagine that he went undrafted in 2014. The Browns signed him to a three-year deal as an undrafted free agent. During training camp, Gipson competed for the backup free safety spot, and he eventually landed at No. 3 on the depth chart heading into the season. Just one year later, Gipson was the Browns’ starting free safety, where he’s remained for his eight-year career.
