Aaron Glenn sends clear message with ruthless roster move after Week 1

New York Jets head coach Aaron Glenn stood behind a podium following his team's 34-32 loss to the Pittsburgh Steelers on Sunday and made one thing clear. Players who cost the team with turnovers “won’t be on the field” moving forward.

He wasn't lying. The Jets have reportedly released wide receiver/return specialist Xavier Gipson following his costly fumble that ultimately contributed to the Jets' Week 1 loss.

Gipson had two fumbles in Sunday's game, including a brutal mistake that set the Steelers up for what would be the go-ahead touchdown. Glenn didn't mention Gipson by name after the game, but it was evident who his comments were referring to.

Now, just three days after his game-changing fumble, Gipson not only won't be on the field for the Jets this coming Sunday against the Buffalo Bills, but he won't even be on the roster.

Aaron Glenn sends loud message with Xavier Gipson release

Gipson was originally signed by the Jets as an undrafted free agent in 2023. He immediately etched his name into team lore with a walk-off punt return touchdown in overtime against the Buffalo Bills in his NFL debut.

Unfortunately, it’s been downhill ever since. Gipson led all punt returners in muffed kicks (4) and fumbles (3) in 2024, and his ball security issues weren’t offset by explosiveness. Despite leading the league in punt returns, he averaged just 8.1 yards per attempt last season.

The Stephen F. Austin product entered the summer fighting for a roster spot, primarily competing with undrafted rookie Jamaal Pritchett for the team's punt returner job.

By all accounts, Gipson was outplayed as both a receiver and returner in the summer, but the Jets controversially opted to stick with the incumbent instead. Pritchett was later re-signed to the practice squad.

With Gipson now gone, the Jets may look to Jamaal Pritchett as their punt returner in Week 2. Kick returner Kene Nwangwu also left Sunday’s game with a hamstring injury, which is what forced Gipson into that role against Pittsburgh.

Other kick return options include rookie wide receiver Arian Smith, running back Isaiah Davis, the aforementioned Pritchett, and running back Keilan Robinson, who was signed to the practice squad on Tuesday. Robinson was a fifth-round pick of the Jacksonville Jaguars last year.

Either way, the Jets’ decision to release Gipson just three days after his game-sealing mistake proves that Glenn’s words won’t ring hollow. It’s the clearest sign yet that accountability is no longer optional in Florham Park.

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