National Football League

Browns DC O'Neil says Tashaun Gipson is falling behind

Published May. 11, 2015 11:53 a.m. ET

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Tashaun Gipson has declined to attend the Browns' voluntary workouts without a signed contract, a decision that defensive coordinator Jim O'Neil says is putting his safety behind the eight ball.

"The guys that are here are getting a lot better," O'Neil said Saturday per the Akron Beacon Journal. "We have great coaches in that room. Those guys are growing. Jordan Poyer's growing, (Donte) Whitner's growing, the corners are growing. Gip's going to have some catching up to do when he does come back."

Gipson, a restricted free agent, has yet to sign the team's second-round tender offer. He's looking for a long-term extension after leading the league with six interceptions before a knee injury cost him the final five games of last season.

"I have talked to Tashaun. He's asked me some questions," O'Neil said. "I've given him my honest input on what I could do. Obviously, everything right now is voluntary. Do I wish he was here? Absolutely."

h/t: Akron Beacon Journal