Xavier Gipson Reportedly Claimed by Giants After Jets Release, 4th-Quarter Fumble

The New York Giants claimed wide receiver and return man Xavier Gipson on Thursday, one day after he was released by the New York Jets, according to NFL Network's Ian Rapoport.

During the fourth quarter of Sunday's 34-32 home loss to the Pittsburgh Steelers, Gipson lost a fumble on a kick return, which led directly to Pittsburgh taking the lead.

The Steelers had just scored a touchdown to shrink the deficit to 26-24, and after recovering Gipson's fumble at New York's 22-yard line, quarterback Aaron Rodgers threw an 18-yard touchdown pass to wide receiver Calvin Austin III two plays later to give the Steelers a 31-26 lead.

New York did bounce back to regain the lead on a one-yard touchdown run by quarterback Justin Fields, but Pittsburgh went on to win thanks to a 60-yard field goal from kicker Chris Boswell with just 1:03 remaining.

Gipson, 24, starred collegiately at FCS Stephen F. Austin from 2019 to 2022 before signing with the Jets as an undrafted free agent.

He made the team as a rookie, recording a career-high 21 receptions for 229 yards that year. Gipson also returned a punt for a touchdown in his first regular-season game, and he did it in overtime to beat the Buffalo Bills in walk-off fashion.

Gipson had just six catches for 39 yards and a touchdown last season, but he remained the Jets' primary return man, averaging 8.1 yards on 33 punt returns and 28.8 yards on 17 kick returns.

In Sunday's loss to the Steelers, Gipson averaged 9.5 yards on two punt returns and 28.4 yards on five kick returns to go along with the costly fumble.

A rule adjustment, which makes the starting field position the 35-yard line in the event of a touchback, is likely to significantly increase the amount of kick returns that occur in the NFL this season.

That was already on full display in Week 1, as Gipson had five kick returns after making only 17 kick returns in 17 games last season.

Because of that, ball security is of the utmost importance, and that was on full display during the Jets' loss to the Steelers.

Unless they add another wideout, Gipson's release will leave the Jets with only five wide receivers on their active roster.

Garrett Wilson is the clear No. 1 option in the passing game, while veteran receivers Josh Reynolds, Allen Lazard and Tyler Johnson, and rookie fourth-round pick Arian Smith round out the receiving corps.

Smith and running back Kene Nwangwu each had one kickoff return in Week 1, and both are candidates to take over return duties following Gipson's departure.

Nwangwu, who has four career kickoff return touchdowns, is in question for the Jets' Week 2 game against the Bills, though, after leaving against Pittsburgh with a hamstring injury.

The Jets could also use running back Isaiah Davis as a return man or elevate one of Keilan Robinson or Jamaal Pritchett from the practice squad.

Gipson will join a Giants receiver room that features Malik Nabers, Wan'Dale Robinson, Jalin Hyatt and Darius Slayton, among others.