Chicago Bears Find Their Veteran Safety and He’s a Playmaker
Following the NFL draft, there weren’t any positions that really stood out as pressing needs. One did have people concerned though. That was safety. After the departure of Ha Ha Clinton-Dix, the only player they secured that seemed like a viable starter candidate was former backup Deon Bush. That’s why it was believed Chicago Bears GM Ryan Pace would eventually make another addition. Somebody with considerable experience if possible.
That moment has come to pass. The Bears came to terms on a one-year deal with Tashaun Gipson according to Mike Florio of Pro Football Talk, recently released by the Houston Texans. Gipson is a well-traveled player. Chicago will be his fourth team. Don’t mistake that for him being bad though. He was a Pro Bowler in Cleveland and a big part of the great Jacksonville Jaguars defense in 2017. Last season he had three interceptions for the Texans in 14 games.
Expectations are he will play the strong safety role next to Eddie Jackson. Presuming he beats out Bush of course. This is a spot he manned with the Jaguars in 2017 and last year for Houston. So he’s familiar with it. Clearly the Bears trust he can handle that job and love the playmaking potential he brings.
“The Bears are signing safety Tashaun Gipson to a one-year deal, according to a PFT source.
The Texans cut him earlier this week, a year after signing him to a three-year, $22.5 million contract.”
Chicago Bears might be brilliant with this pickup
Now a lot of people will have questions about whether Gipson can be a traditional box safety. That is a valid concern. He could end up being another Ha Ha Clinton-Dix type. However, there is a degree of logic to this addition worth noting. The Bears just got done massively upgrading their pass rush. They already have Khalil Mack and Akiem Hicks. They will be joined by Robert Quinn this season. That is a ton of QB hunting prowess.
Wouldn’t it make sense to have two guys on the back end of the defense who are proficient in getting the football in the air? That is where the Gipson makes a ton of sense. He has 23 interceptions in his career. The guy loves snagging that football. Put him alongside Jackson behind that pass rush? The Bears could be in line for a lot of interceptions this coming season.