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Jaguars adding free agent safety Tashaun Gipson

By Tyler Derby

Oct 19, 2014; Jacksonville, FL, USA; Jacksonville Jaguars wide receiver Denard Robinson (16) runs past Cleveland Browns defensive back Tashaun Gipson (39) for 20-yard gain in the first quarter of their game at EverBank Field. Mandatory Credit: Phil Sears-USA TODAY Sports
Oct 19, 2014; Jacksonville, FL, USA; Jacksonville Jaguars wide receiver Denard Robinson (16) runs past Cleveland Browns defensive back Tashaun Gipson (39) for 20-yard gain in the first quarter of their game at EverBank Field. Mandatory Credit: Phil Sears-USA TODAY Sports /
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Tashaun Gipson will hopefully settle one of the starting safety positions for the Jacksonville Jaguars, bringing years of impressive service with the Cleveland Browns down to Florida.

The Jaguars hope they have found their solution at the safety position with the signing of free agent Tashaun Gipson. The deal is for 5 years and 35.5 million dollars . Free safety was one the Jaguars’ major needs, along with getting  pass-rushers. The Gipson signing  gives them a player they can use to play single-high coverage and will allow them to use Jonathan Cyprien strictly as a box safety. During his career, Gipson has  started 42 of 50 games for the Browns and has 14 career interceptions. During the 2015 season for the Browns, Gipson played 822 snaps in 13 games and recorded 60 tackles and 2 interceptions.

Gipson made the Pro Bowl during the 2014 season after having 6 interceptions and 52 tackles in only 11 games.  Gipson was one of the best safeties available during free agency and this was a huge signing for the Jaguars as they continue to build up the defense to help compliment there already explosive offense.

With the addition of Malik Jackson (via the Broncos’s), Gipson (via the Browns) and Dante Fowler coming back from injury, the Jaguars defense will be much improved from last season where they gave up the second most points in the NFL.

Free agency has just began so it will be interesting to see what other defensive pieces Dave Caldwell can add to this fast improving defense for the 2016 season. Gipson’s arrival also means the Jaguars can move James Sample to his natural strong safety spot and allow them more flexibility in the secondary.  Overall it was a great day to a Jaguars fan with the direction this team is heading in.

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