Days after falling to the Pittsburgh Steelers in their home opener, the New York Jets are cutting Xavier Gipson.
Jets Cut Xavier Gipson After Costly Fumble
The Jets are planning on releasing Xavier Gipson today, per source. Gipson had the costly fumble on Sunday and now the team is moving on.
— Brian Costello (@BrianCoz) September 10, 2025
First-year head coach Aaron Glenn is setting the culture in New York. One of those pillars is that actions have consequences.
Per Brian Costello, the Jets cut Gipson on Wednesday. Glenn later explained the move at the team’s press conference.
“I want it to be known that the decisions that are made are not rash decisions and never based off one incident, and I’ll keep it at that,” Glenn said Wednesday. “Xavier’s a really good player. He’s going to play in this league, but I thought it was time for us to move on in another direction. So I’ll leave it at that.”
During the fourth quarter of Sunday’s game against the Steelers, Gipson fumbled a kick return at the Jets’ 22-yard line. The Steelers recovered and eventually scored a touchdown on their next drive for a 31-26 lead. The Jets lost the game 34-32.
The Jets signed Gipson as an undrafted free agent in 2023. The wide receiver registered 27 receptions for 268 yards with one touchdown in 35 games.
Gipson served as the Jets’ primary returner, averaging 8.9 yards on 68 punt returns and 26 yards on 44 kick returns. Gipson’s lone punt return touchdown came against the Buffalo Bills in Week 1 of the 2023 season, the same game where Aaron Rodgers tore his Achilles.
Gipson’s inability to hold onto the ball led to his downfall. In two years, Gipson fumbled 10 times, leading to his release.
“You will not be on the field with this team if you’re going to cause us to lose games, if you’re going to cause issues like that,” Glenn told the media following Sunday’s loss.
With Gipson out, the Jets signed wide receiver and return specialist Isaiah Williams. The second-year player had 11 punt returns for 93 yards last season with the Cincinnati Bengals.
Jets Looked Impressive In A Loss
Justin Fields is balling.
PITvsNYJ on CBS/Paramount+https://t.co/HkKw7uXVnt pic.twitter.com/L0Vfru5N2H
— NFL (@NFL) September 7, 2025
Players hate the idea of moral victories. However, it’s impossible to look at the Jets’ performance on Sunday and be upset with the offense.
The Jets outgained the Steelers in total yards — 394 to 271.
Justin Fields arguably played his best game as a professional. In his first game with the Jets, Fields completed 16 of 22 passes for 218 yards and one touchdown. Fields also rushed for 48 yards and two touchdowns.
Breece Hall led the way for the Jets on the ground with 107 yards, while Braelon Allen scored a touchdown.
Wide receiver Garrett Wilson caught seven receptions for 95 yards and one touchdown in the loss.
The Jets (0-1) host the Buffalo Bills (1-0) in Week 2.
