Costly error vs. Steelers leads Jets to release 24-year-old Xavier Gipson: Report | NFL News
According to multiple reports, the New York Jets will be releasing Xavier Gipson, a 24-year-old wide receiver and return specialist, a crucial mistake in their pivotal 34-32 season-opening loss to the Pittsburgh Steelers. Pittsburgh scored two touchdowns, one coming just 35 seconds after the other, thanks to Gipson’s costly fumble on a kickoff return early in the fourth quarter. Aaron Glenn went the other way, prioritizing those two things and some sort of accountability, warning that undisciplined mistakes would find themselves getting washed from his side of the ball, and he didn’t need long to make good on that promise.
Xavier Gipson’s fumble that shifted momentum
The miscue from Xavier Gipson happened in a key moment. Gibson returned a kickoff to start the fourth quarter but then got in over his head, fumbling the ball at the Jets’ 22-yard line. The Steelers needed just two plays to score a touchdown, taking the lead.In his postgame remarks, Coach Glenn did not mince words. “We can’t have turnovers. We have to be a more disciplined team,” he warned at the post-game. He drew a direct line between Gipson’s mistake and the team’s defeat. Glenn added that such errors and even penalties would not be tolerated on his roster.
Gipson, who entered the league as an undrafted free agent this year, had a debut to remember by returning a game-winning, overtime punt return for a touchdown. Since then, however, he hasn’t done a whole lot of producing. He’s managed just six catches for 39 yards and a touchdown this past season, with most of his work coming as a returner on punts and kickoffs.Also Read: DeShon Elliott net worth in 2025: How much does the Steelers safety earn annually?
Xavier Gipson’s release sends a clear message from the Jets
That said, it seems the Jets are intent on enhancing a culture of accountability by opting to cut Xavier Gipson. The team should release him just a day or two following the beginning of the season, with a firm statement about the fact that expensive misjudgments will have a quick effect.Gipson had beaten out rookie Jamaal Pritchett for the returner and backup receiver role in training camp. Pritchett, on the practice squad now, is presumably next in line.Analysts noted that Gipson’s early fumble and Brandon Stephens’ timely pass interference penalty allowed Pittsburgh to rally late. After the loss, Glenn had pointed to discipline problems, and the release of Gipson was a direct action to reinforce that stance.The Jets looked good in some aspects, such as notable rushing by Breece Hall, a solid showing from Justin Fields as the Jets came back to the ball, and an able offensive line, but the breakdown on special teams revealed vulnerability. None of those are errors that you can write off too easily, though Gipson’s error was particularly expensive.
