Jets release Xavier Gipson after costly kickoff fumble in season-opening loss

The New York Jets moved quickly to cut wide receiver and return specialist Xavier Gipson on Wednesday, a day after a fourth-quarter kickoff fumble in their 34-32 season-opening loss to the Pittsburgh Steelers that coach Aaron Glenn said helped turn the game.

Gipson's fumble on the kickoff following the first play of the fourth quarter handed Pittsburgh the ball at the Jets' 22-yard line. Two plays later, Steelers quarterback Aaron Rodgers found Calvin Austin for an 18-yard touchdown, and Pittsburgh scored two touchdowns in roughly 50 seconds to seize control of the game. The Jets kept the ball close but ultimately fell by two points at MetLife Stadium.

Glenn said after the game that undisciplined mistakes would not be tolerated. "The one thing to me that turned this game is, man, we can't have turnovers," he said. "We can't do it. We have to be a more disciplined team. ... You will not be on the field with this team if you're going to cause us to lose games."

A person familiar with the team's plans confirmed to media outlets that Gipson was to be released Wednesday. General manager Darren Mougey and Glenn made the roster decision after the Jets' opener. Rookie Jamaal Pritchett, who competed with Gipson for the returner/backup receiver role in training camp and remains on the practice squad, is an immediate option for the team's return duties.

Gipson signed with the Jets as an undrafted free agent in 2023 and provided a highlight early in his career with a game-winning punt return in overtime of Week 1 that season against Buffalo. Since then his offensive production has been limited; he recorded six catches for 39 yards and one touchdown last season and handled both kickoff and punt return responsibilities.

Jets special teams miscues and penalties drew Glenn's criticism after the loss. The fumble was the most consequential error, but Glenn cited multiple discipline issues when explaining the team's response. The decision to cut Gipson came after the coaching staff and front office reviewed the game's mistakes and their impact on the result.

The Jets opened the season with questions about depth at receiver and on special teams after a training camp competition for the returner role. Gipson had retained a roster spot over Pritchett coming out of camp but now will clear a slot. The team could elevate Pritchett or pursue other options on short notice as it prepares for its Week 2 matchup.

Gipson, 24, will be available to sign with other teams once he clears waivers. The Jets, who finished the game with several narrow defeats in recent seasons, emphasized discipline as a priority heading into the next week of the regular season.