Tashaun Gipson

Signed to a free-agent deal in the offseason, Gipson is expected to take over Chicago's starting strong safety spot vacated by Ha Ha Clinton-Dix. Over the course of his career, Gipson typically is a lock for at least 50 tackles, and he also has picked off multiple passes in five of his last seven campaigns. Despite the expectation to start, he'll have to earn his role by beating out Deon Bush, which is likely but not guaranteed. If Gipson officially is declared the starter, he does have some upside that shouldn't be ignored in fantasy drafts.

Gipson has been remarkably durable, playing all 48 games over the last three seasons for the Jaguars. He brings a ton of experience to a secondary that has undergone a significant overhaul. Safeties Tyrann Mathieu (Chiefs) and Kareem Jackson (Broncos) bolted in free agency as did cornerback Kevin Johnson (Bills), so Gipson's experience will be valuable as the grouping gets acquainted. Experience, however, doesn't mean he'll be IDP-worthy. Gipson has averaged just 53 tackles and two interceptions over the last three seasons.

The 28-year-old safety has started all 32 games since joined the Jaguars as a free agent prior to the 2016 season, recording 105 tackles, nine pass breakups and five interceptions. Gipson has been a key member of the ball-hawking Jacksonville secondary, but averaging less than four tackles per game doesn't put him on the valuable end of fantasy safeties on a week-to-week basis. The Jaguars drafted Alabama safety Ronnie Harrison in the third round of April's draft, but he seems unlikely to significantly impact the veteran's defensive role in his rookie season.

With Johnathan Cyprien out of the mix, Gipson will serve as the Jaguars' unquestioned starter at free safety.

One of several high-profile free agent additions, Gipson will immediately fill a need in the secondary. The former Brown projects to start at free safety, enabling Johnathan Cyprien to play more of his natural, in-the-box style.

An undrafted free agent in 2012, Gipson has been one of the league's most productive safeties the last two years, particularly in coverage. Even in a season shortened by five games due to an MCL injury, Gipson intercepted six passes last year, giving him 11 interceptions (two returned for a touchdown) in his last 27 games. And with 147 tackles in that span, he's shown decent tackle production, as well. Playing for a Browns team that figures to struggle on offense, Gipson and the defense should see plenty of snaps this season.

Gipson is projected to be the Browns' starting free safety alongside the recently-acquired Donte Whitner in 2014. The soon-to-be 24-year-old collected five interceptions during his sophomore campaign in 2013, and stands to benefit from the addition of Whitner's experience to the secondary. Gipson also logged 95 combined tackles last season, and could be a useful IDP option if he continues to improve.

Gipson compiled 33 tackles, one pass defensed, and one interception in his rookie year. He started three games in 2012, but he looks to be the favorite to start at free safety this season and he could be in for a nice boost in production.