NFL: Worst Free-Agent Contracts of 2016
By John Laird
8. Tashaun Gipson (Safety) Jacksonville Jaguars
Jacksonville with it’s usual appearance in these types of discussions and for good reason. They decided to award Tashaun Gipson a five year $36 million dollar deal with $12 million guaranteed. Gipson was a Pro Bowler in the 2014 season, but you saw the complete opposite from the Wyoming product in 2015.
Gipson was one of the leaders of the 22nd-ranked pass defense last season. After intercepting the passer six times in his Pro-Bowl season, Gipson was only able to get his hands on the ball two times this year. Players are suppose to get paid when they elevate their play in a contract year, not get worst.
Yet a disappointing season was still enough for the Jaguars to shell out a lot of money to him the sixth-highest paid safety in the game.
Gipson at often times struggled with tackling in open space, allowing a lot of yards after the catch. Something he really needs to improve on if he is to live up to the money the Jaguars are giving him.
On top of all of this, the Cleveland Browns, who have arguably the worst collective pool of the talent ever assembled, decided to let Gipson walk out of the door with no questions asked. Shouldn’t that at least raise one red flag?
Next: Number 7