The Pittsburgh Steelers have always been known for their dominant defense. With a history of hard-hitting, blue-collar football, the Steelers’ defense has been the backbone of their success over the years. However, despite having a strong defensive core, there’s one area where the Steelers could use a significant upgrade: safety.
Enter **Tashaun Gipson**, the All-Pro safety for the San Francisco 49ers, who could be the perfect addition to a Pittsburgh secondary that has shown flashes of brilliance but also has room for improvement. With the Steelers being urged by many analysts and fans to pursue Gipson in free agency, the question becomes: Should Pittsburgh make a run at the 32-year-old playmaker, and what could he bring to the defense?
### Tashaun Gipson’s Rise to Stardom
Tashaun Gipson has been a steady presence in the NFL for over a decade. After going undrafted in 2012, Gipson’s career began with the Cleveland Browns, where he quickly emerged as a ball-hawking safety. His knack for creating turnovers led him to become one of the most respected safeties in the league. Gipson then went on to play for the Jacksonville Jaguars and the Chicago Bears before joining the San Francisco 49ers, where he would experience some of his best seasons.
In 2024, Gipson earned All-Pro honors, proving that age hasn’t slowed him down. In fact, he arguably had the best season of his career, racking up five interceptions, several pass breakups, and playing a key role in the 49ers’ defense, which was one of the most formidable in the league. Gipson’s leadership, football IQ, and ball skills are what set him apart from many other safeties in the league.
His ability to read the quarterback, combined with his playmaking ability in critical moments, makes him a game-changer on the back end. While Gipson may be 32, he has continued to play at an elite level, demonstrating that his experience and mental sharpness more than make up for any loss of speed. In fact, his savvy play and ability to anticipate offensive schemes make him an ideal candidate for a team like the Steelers, which prides itself on a strong defensive identity.
### Why the Steelers Need Gipson
The Steelers’ defense is one of the most respected units in the NFL, but their secondary has been inconsistent at times. Despite having standout players like cornerback **Minkah Fitzpatrick** — one of the league’s best safeties — the Steelers have struggled to find a consistent partner for him in the back end. **Damontae Kazee** and **Terrell Edmunds** have had their moments, but neither has cemented themselves as the ideal complement to Fitzpatrick.
One of the Steelers’ biggest weaknesses in 2024 was their ability to defend against the deep ball. While the cornerbacks, especially **Joey Porter Jr.**, have shown promise, there were still too many occasions where the defense was burned in crucial moments, especially in deep coverage situations.
Tashaun Gipson could be the perfect answer to this problem. With his veteran presence and knack for reading the quarterback’s eyes, Gipson could help mitigate some of the Steelers’ coverage issues and provide Fitzpatrick with a reliable partner in the back end. Gipson’s deep coverage skills would also allow Fitzpatrick to roam more freely, potentially creating more turnovers and making the Steelers defense even more aggressive.
Moreover, Gipson’s leadership would be an asset in the locker room. Pittsburgh has a relatively young secondary, and adding an experienced All-Pro safety would not only improve the team’s coverage but also raise the unit’s overall football IQ. His guidance would be invaluable for the younger players, helping them understand the nuances of the position and improving their mental approach to the game.
### What Gipson Brings to the Steelers Defense
1. **Ball-Hawking Ability**: One of the primary reasons Tashaun Gipson stands out is his ability to create turnovers. In an era where the turnover battle often determines the outcome of games, Gipson’s knack for intercepting passes could give the Steelers’ defense a much-needed edge. With Fitzpatrick already an interception machine, adding Gipson to the mix could make the Steelers’ secondary a terrifying proposition for quarterbacks.
2. **Versatility**: Gipson has experience playing both free and strong safety positions, giving the Steelers flexibility. While Fitzpatrick is generally the free safety, Gipson could be utilized as a versatile asset who can play in the box, deep, or even in man-to-man coverage when needed. This versatility allows defensive coordinator **Terrell Austin** to mix up coverages and confuse opposing quarterbacks, creating opportunities for turnovers and sacks.
3. **Football IQ**: Gipson’s understanding of the game is what sets him apart from younger players. He has spent years studying offensive tendencies and is always in the right position. His awareness and football intelligence would mesh well with the Steelers’ overall defensive philosophy, which values smart, disciplined play.
4. **Leadership and Experience**: The Steelers are a team that thrives on leadership, and Gipson has the experience to be a vocal leader in the secondary. His leadership would provide stability, especially in high-pressure moments. As the Steelers look to make a Super Bowl run, Gipson’s experience in big games (with multiple playoff appearances, including Super Bowl 50 with the Jaguars) would be invaluable in the locker room.
### Financial Considerations: Can the Steelers Afford Gipson?
One of the biggest questions surrounding the potential acquisition of Tashaun Gipson is whether the Steelers can afford him, particularly considering the team’s salary cap situation. While Gipson is 32 and may not command a top-tier contract, he is still one of the most respected safeties in the league, and his recent All-Pro performance will undoubtedly drive up his market value.
That being said, the Steelers do have some financial flexibility. With a relatively modest cap space, Pittsburgh could work out a reasonable deal that provides Gipson with a fair contract while maintaining enough room to build other parts of the roster. Signing Gipson to a short-term, high-value contract would allow the Steelers to get the best of both worlds — adding a top-tier player to their defense while avoiding long-term financial strain.
### Should the Steelers Pursue Gipson?
Given the Steelers’ strong defensive foundation and the need to solidify their secondary, pursuing Tashaun Gipson makes a lot of sense. His playmaking ability, leadership, and versatility would provide a significant boost to the defense, especially when paired with Fitzpatrick. Gipson could elevate the Steelers’ already-stout defense to another level, making them even more dangerous in the AFC.
Moreover, with the Steelers’ defense looking to compete in a tough division, adding a seasoned All-Pro safety would make Pittsburgh a more formidable contender in the playoffs. Considering their relatively low-risk, short-term investment in a player like Gipson, it could be one of the smartest moves the Steelers make in the 2025 offseason.
In conclusion, the Steelers should absolutely consider signing Tashaun Gipson. His experience, playmaking ability, and leadership could provide the Steelers with the missing piece to elevate their defense to Super Bowl contender status. The addition of Gipson would not only shore up the secondary but also solidify the Steelers’ reputation as a defensive powerhouse in the AFC.
Leave a Reply