Xavier Gipson was one of the most notable success stories to emerge from the NY Jets' 2023 season. Gipson signed with the Jets as an undrafted free agent last year and went on to not only make the roster but carve out a sizable role.
The Stephen F. Austin product made the team as the primary kick and punt returner and wasted little time making an impact. Gipson's famous walk-off punt return touchdown in overtime of Week 1 against the Buffalo Bills helped soften the blow of Aaron Rodgers' injury just a little.
Gipson would eventually see his role on offense increase as well, due in large part to the struggles of the Jets' other wide receivers. He played 50 percent of offensive snaps or more in all but one game after Week 9.
Many have assumed that Gipson would take a backseat role again in 2024 following the additions of Mike Williams and rookie Malachi Corley, but that might not be the case. Don't sleep on his potential impact this season.
Xavier Gipson could be the NY Jets' Week 1 starting slot receiver
Jets fans are understandably excited to see the team's rookie third-round pick, Corley, take the field this season. And while the Jets remain high on his future, there's no guarantee he's going to have a prominent role early in the year.
That's because Gipson looks like the favorite to be the Jets' No. 3 wide receiver behind Garrett Wilson and Mike Williams entering the summer. A lot can still change, but Gipson's strong spring has boosted his stock.
The former UDFA was one of the Jets' biggest standouts from OTAs and minicamp, flashing more than any wide receiver not named Garrett Wilson. His developing chemistry with Aaron Rodgers certainly helps his case.
The Jets have been impressed by Gipson's continued development as a receiver this offseason. His route-running looked sharper and he didn't look out of place working with the first-team offense.
Corley, on the other hand, missed time this spring and didn't do much to stand out when given the opportunity. The rookie is much better suited for an environment with pads where he can showcase his dynamic YAC ability, but he'll be starting the summer behind Gipson on the depth chart.
All of this means that Jets fans shouldn't be surprised at all to see Gipson out there with the starters come Week 1. And given Williams' injury history, the Jets might be forced to lean on Gipson even more than anticipated in 2024.
Xavier Gipson has gotten overlooked in this Jets receiving corps this offseason, but if you're betting on one player to outperform their expectations and earn a larger role this year, it should be him.
