49ers starters who could be benched with a bad training camp
By Peter Panacy
No. 2: 49ers safety Tashaun Gipson
Veteran Tashaun Gipson beat out now-Houston Texans defensive back Jimmie Ward last year for the starting free safety job, and then Gipson beat out Ward again for a re-sign deal with the 49ers entering 2023.
That said, the Niners know that the soon-to-be 33-year-old Gipson is not a long-term answer, which is why he's back on a one-year deal.
It's also why San Francisco used its top pick in the 2023 NFL Draft on former Penn State defensive back Ji'Ayir Brown, who'll have a shot to fully replace Gipson as early as this season.
Read more: Ji'Ayir Brown has this lofty goal in reach for his rookie season
The 49ers want Brown to be Gipson's replacement. It's just a matter of when.
Should Gipson struggle in camp, or Brown simply outperforms the veteran, it'll be the rookie who ends up starting.