5 low-key free agents 49ers must bring back in 2023

49ers free-agent No. 1: Safety Tashaun Gipson

Jake Brendel was one of the 49ers’ pleasant surprises from 2022. Veteran safety Tashaun Gipson was arguably an even greater surprise.

Considering Gipson was a late free-agent add who was only brought aboard to alleviate fellow safety Jimmie Ward’s injury at the end of the preseason, the fact Gipson turned into a starting-caliber player who effectively forced Ward to return as a nickel cornerback instead of reclaiming his safety job says something.

Ward probably doesn’t return this offseason, meaning the 32-year-old Gipson might be the next best option.

He is considering retirement, though, yet the desire to stay around in the Bay Area is appealing to him.

Provided Gipson is willing to return, the Niners should be more than accommodating and welcome him back with open arms after he produced a campaign that included eight pass breakups and five interceptions during the regular season.