The Giants were looking for a new kickoff returner and did not have to go far to get one, with their newest addition had been playing his home games at MetLife Stadium as a member of the Jets.
The Giants claimed former Jets wide receiver and kick returner Xavier Gipson off waivers Thursday. Gipson, an undrafted free agent who signed with the Jets in 2023, was released Wednesday. Gipson averaged 28.4 yards per return in Week 1 against the Pittsburgh Steelers, but his fumble led to a Steelers touchdown in the 32-31 loss.
“I want it to be known that decisions that are made are not rash decisions,” Jets head coach Aaron Glenn said about Gipson during his news conference Wednesday. “They are never based off of one incident, and I will keep it at that. Xavier is a really good player and he’s going to play in this league, but I thought it was time for us to move on in another direction.”
The Giants used wide receiver Wan’Dale Robinson as their kick returner in their Week 1 loss to the Washington Commanders, and he averaged 20.5 yards on his two return opportunities. Robinson is also the team’s primary slot receiver, and with the Giants using him as a primary part of their offense in three, four and five-wide receiver formations, having him on kickoff returns led to a greater chance of him getting hit and potentially getting injured.
The addition of Gipson allows the Giants to put him in a role where he has shown he can have an impact. Gipson can also return punts, having averaged 8.9 yards per punt return in his career, including a 65-yard touchdown in overtime against the Buffalo Bills in 2023.
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Chris Franklin may be reached at cfranklin@njadvancemedia.com.
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