Cabot: Browns Giving Gipson the Perception That They Will Let Him Walk

Are the Cleveland Browns about to do the same thing with Tashaun Gipson that they did when T.J. Ward was a free agent a couple of years ago? According to Mary Kay Cabot of the Plain Dealer, "Gipson would like to remain with the Browns, but no substantial talks have taken place and he's preparing to move on." Having defensive coordinator Ray Horton back in Cleveland adds some incentive for Gipson not wanting to leave, but this doesn't have the sounds of a return in 2016:

To this point, Gipson hasn't had much contact with the Browns, and it appears they're prepared to let him walk. He's made it clear, however, that he'd like to return, and now that his former defensive coordinator Ray Horton is back, he undoubtedly wants to be back even more.

A year ago, [Devin] McCourty signed a five year deal worth $47.5 million, including $28.5 million guaranteed. The contract made him the second highest paid safety in the NFL with an average of $9.5 million a year. Gipson had his sights set on McCourty money before last season.

I assume that Cabot talked directly with Gipson. If his sights are set on a 5-year, $47.5 million type of deal with that much money guaranteed ($28.5 million), then it's no wonder the Browns aren't even bothering to contact him. Remember that even though Ray Farmer is no longer here, Sashi Brown handled a lot of things with contract negotiations the past few years, so he is likely already well familiar with Gipson's wishes and whether that aligns with what they feel he's worth.