Tashaun Gipson spent the first four years of his career in Cleveland. And that's apparently all Gipson could handle. When given the chance this offseason to sign with another team, Gipson bolted for Jacksonville, signing a five-year, $36-million contract with the Jaguars.
His reason for wanting to join the Jaguars instead of staying with the Browns might just be the most Browns thing ever. According to ESPN, Gipson said he left Cleveland for Jacksonville because he wanted "to start winning." And that might be a new low for the Browns -- when Jacksonville, of all places, is viewed as an upgrade.
Yep, Gipson joined a team that's won 19 games since the beginning of the 2011 season because he wanted "to start winning." The Jaguars haven't earned a playoff spot since 2007. They haven't won at least seven games in a season since 2010.
The Browns have actually won 23 games since 2011. No, they haven't earned a playoff berth since 2002, but they did win seven games in 2014. Yet, in Gipson's eyes, he viewed the Jaguars as a team that's better equipped to win.
He's probably right. The Jaguars offensive core of Blake Bortles, Allen Robinson, and Allen Hurns is promising. And, the team just experienced an offseason of spending, acquiring Malik Jackson and Chris Ivory. Considering the Jaguars are situated in the porous AFC South, there's an actual chance they'll compete for the playoffs in the near future.
As for the Browns, well, they just experienced an offseason of losing. Wide receiver Travis Benjamin left for the Chargers. Center Alex Mack joined the Falcons. And right tackle Mitchell Schwartz bailed for the Chiefs. The Browns also cut ties with Johnny Manziel on Friday, but that should hardly be classified as a loss for the team.
Now, they're reportedly involved in the Colin Kaepernick sweepstakes. And, Kaepernick reportedly wants to join the Browns -- a desire Gipson probably can't understand.
