General Manager Brad Holmes and the Detroit Lions have made significant improvements to their roster this offseason, yet some concerns remain, particularly at the safety position. The Lions will bring back last year’s starters, Kerby Joseph and Ifeatu Melifonwu. However, Joseph is recovering from offseason hip surgery, and Melifonwu has a history of injuries.
Further complicating matters, Brian Branch, the team’s backup safety, is sidelined until at least training camp due to a foot injury, creating additional worries about slot coverage. Given the Lions’ aspirations for a Super Bowl run this season, adding more depth at safety would be beneficial. They recently signed C.J. Moore, but he is primarily a special teams player rather than a defensive standout.
NFL analyst Matt Holder from Bleacher Report suggests the Lions should consider signing former San Francisco 49ers safety Tashaun Gipson Sr. Head coach Dan Campbell has previously indicated that the safety position is an area they might reinforce further, although it’s unclear if Moore’s signing alters that plan.
In the 2023 season, Gipson excelled in coverage, allowing completions on only 55.6% of passes and just one touchdown, with a passer rating of 65.4 against him. Comparatively, Joseph’s completion rate was slightly lower, but Gipson’s passer rating was better. Melifonwu performed best with a 53.6% completion rate and a 61.2 passer rating.
While Gipson might not represent a significant statistical upgrade, his experience and consistency could provide valuable insurance, given the uncertainties at the position. Additionally, his experience in reaching the Super Bowl could be invaluable for the Lions’ ambitions.
