Shockwaves were sent throughout the New York Jets roster before practice on Wednesday morning, as the team announced the release of return specialist Xavier Gipson.

The former undrafted free agent lost a critical fumble on a kick return in the team’s 34-32 loss to the Pittsburgh Steelers on Sunday, resulting in a 14-point swing that put the Black and Gold in the lead early in the final quarter.

After the game, head coach Aaron Glenn made it clear that the turnover was a backbreaker. Now, after Gipson’s release, it’s clear how far the coach will go to make sure the rest of the team understands that turnovers and mental mistakes will no longer be tolerated.

According to Glenn, though, the fumble was not the sole reason Gipson was released.

Jets explain Gipson release

Speaking to reporters before practice on Wednesday, Glenn confirmed reports of the former UDFA’s release. He also made it clear that his fumble in Sunday’s loss was not the only reason Gipson wasn’t on the team anymore.

“We’re trying to get the best players on this team that can play a role, and at this point, I just felt like we need to have a change at that spot,” Glenn said. “And it wasn’t just one thing when it comes to accountability, there’s accountability in everything that we do, so I don’t want to just pin it on him fumbling the ball, there were a number of things that led up to this.

“I just felt like it was time to make a change. Darren Mougey and I had conversations about it and we made the change.”

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Gipson was an undrafted free agent out of Stephen F. Austin in 2023. He scored a game-winning punt return touchdown in his first game for the team.

Since then, though, he struggled as a returner. Gipson led the league in special teams fumbles over the last two years. The fact that he even made this year’s team in the first place left some fans perplexed.

Gipson had struggled with injuries throughout camp, and current UDFA receiver Jamaal Pritchett was a preseason standout. Glenn, at the time, chose the veteran due to his work in practice.

So, what changed? Why did New York only need a week to decide to move in a different direction with their punt returner?

The answer is simple.

Glenn is looking for consistency in his return game: people who can successfully catch punts and contribute on kickoffs. While Gipson was more consistent in that regard during camp, his inability to do so in the team’s opening game forced the coach’s hand.

In a corresponding roster move, the Jets signed return specialist Isaiah Williams off the Cincinnati Bengals’ practice squad. The 24-year-old averaged over 8.5 yards per punt return on 11 tries last season.

Williams is expected to compete with Pritchett, who is currently on the team’s practice squad, for the starting punt returner role.

New York’s roster, meanwhile, is left to pick up the pieces after a well-liked player has been released. Glenn’s message to the team is as clear as day. Time will tell if Gipson’s release has the desired effect.

Reporting from the Atlantic Health Jets Training Center in Florham Park, NJ.