Cleveland Browns defensive back Tashaun Gipson has admitted that he is prepared to wait for his chance to cash in on his quality displays for the club in free agency next year.
The AFC North side did not offer the 24-year-old a long-term deal to remain with the franchise, although they ensured his stay for the 2015 season by placing him with a second-round tender worth $2.35m (£1.48m).
Gipson missed part of the Browns' off-season activities, but returned for their minicamp, and is now determined to excel on the field once more to earn his payday.
He told WKYC: "I'm perfectly fine with it, and I know what I can do in this defense.
"I know the freedom that I have in this defense, and I know the guys around me, so it's not something like, 'Hey, man. I stick out like a sore thumb.' I've got All-Pros and Pro Bowlers all around this defense, so it's going to be fun.
"I'm going to have a smile on my face. At the end of the day, my rookie contract was less than this tender. So on the bright side about it, I'm going to make more money than I've ever made, so I can't complain about that."
Gipson recorded 52 tackles, one forced fumble and six interceptions for the Browns last season.
Simon Sinclair
