Report: San Francisco 49ers expected to re-sign S Tashaun Gipson

Gipson -- who went undrafted back in 2012 -- joined the 49ers just prior to the start of the 2022 season and a mere eight days before the team was set for the 53-man roster cut deadline.

While he failed to make the initial 53-man roster and was subsequently signed to the practice squad, the veteran safety was promoted from the practice squad almost immediately thereafter, ultimately filling in for an injured Jimmie Ward during San Francisco's Week 1 loss to the Chicago Bears. Two days later, he was officially promoted to the active roster. Then, it was off to the races.

Gipson posted a beautiful 2022 season for the 49ers, notably returning five interceptions for 141 yards -- numbers he hadn’t approached since his early years in Cleveland. He started every game of the season at safety alongside Hufanga, with both helping to form the league’s best scoring defense.

With Gipson’s new contract on the books, it's possible (and maybe likely) that the aforementioned Ward will be testing the free agent waters upcoming. On a nostalgic level for the franchise, it may be difficult to say goodbye to Ward, who has been with the team since 2014. Gipson's raw numbers, though, speak for themselves.