THE Jacksonville Jaguars are signing veteran safety Tashaun Gipson.

Gipson, a former member of the Jaguars, will be suspended for the first six games of the 2024 season.

The Jacksonville Jaguars are signing veteran safety Tashaun GipsonCredit: Getty

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Gipson is suspended for the first six games of the 2024 seasonCredit: Getty
Gipson failed a drug test and was handed a six-game suspension for violating the NFL’s performance-enhancing substances policy.

The 34-year-old will be allowed to participate in the preseason with the Jaguars, but will then begin his suspension.

Gipson maintains that he wasn’t intentionally breaking the rules of the league’s PED policy, saying that he took a supplement without realizing it was banned.

“It was in no way related to performance, training, or gaining an advantage of any kind at any time,” Gipson said in a statement.

“I have competed at this level for a long time, and have nothing but respect for the game and the fraternity of players in it.”

The Jaguars made the move to sign Gipson to bolster their safety room, which is dealing with the injury of Andrew Wingard.

Head coach Doug Pederson further explained why Gipson was signed.

“Well, I mean when you think about Dewey’s situation and Tashaun’s situation, they’re very similar because they’ll probably miss about the same time,” Pederson said.

“I am saying that to say obviously Tashaun making the 53 and things of that nature at the end of camp.

“But for us too, it’s a veteran player that we’re familiar with who gives us more depth, gives us an opportunity at safety that right now kind of fills the spot.

“And we’ve got some young safeties that are playing well and Savage right now is not cleared for contact yet as much, so just gives you another veteran body and some competition and looking forward to getting him out there.”

Gipson has played a great career in the NFL, having a resurgence with the San Francisco 49ers in the last two years.

In 2022 and 2023 he played a total of 33 games, starting in all of them.

He racked up six interceptions over those two years and also accounted for 60 tackles and a sack.

NFL important dates

August 1 – Hall of Fame Game – Houston Texans vs Chicago Bears

August 8 – Pre-season begins

August 27 – Deadline for 53-man rosters

September 1 – Final day of pre-season

September 5 – Season opener – Baltimore Ravens vs Kansas City Chiefs

November 5 – Trade deadline

January 5 – Week 18 of regular-season

January 11 – Playoffs begin

February 9 – Super Bowl LIX in New Orleans, Louisiana

In his career, Gipson has 33 total interceptions and 684 tackles. He has made the pro bowl once.

His interceptions are tied for third-most since he entered the league as an undrafted free agent.

Gipson has also started in 10 postseason games, including three with the Jaguars.

The Jaguars also recently signed veteran Adrian Amos to bolster their safety room.

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Gipson failed a PED drug test after taking a supplementCredit: Getty