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The New York Jets did not offer up many surprises when they cut their roster to 53 players this week. But it doesn’t mean every move was expected.
The biggest surprise is that the Jets kept seven wide receivers on their initial roster, including three first-year players. Irv Charles, who was on New York’s practice squad last season, earned one of the spots along with undrafted free agents Xavier Gipson and Jason Brownlee.
Each is expected to contribute on special teams and at the back end of the wide receiver depth chart. Coach Robert Saleh referred to Charles as a “wolf” on special teams Wednesday.
One receiving spot opened up last week when veteran Corey Davis abruptly retired, leaving the Jets with four locks at the position (Garrett Wilson, Allen Lazard, Randall Cobb and Mecole Hardman).
Xavier Gipson, who made the 53, attracts a crowd of reporters. Says he thought he was getting cut when he got the call from the #Jets. Coach tricked him with, “I’m sorry …. you made the team.” pic.twitter.com/mTtiU8YEsk
— Rich Cimini (@RichCimini) August 29, 2023
It was a bit of a surprise that linebacker Chazz Surratt made the team. Surratt is a favorite of Saleh but was so-so and hurt during the preseason.
“He has a chance to be pretty freakin' good,” Saleh said. “You could argue he has starter capabilities in him, he just has to stay healthy and continue to prove it.”
One player who was a mild surprise in that he didn’t make the cut, safety Trey Dean, was signed to the Jets practice squad Wednesday. The undrafted free agent had an excellent preseason but New York opted to keep Ashtyn Davis instead because of his stellar special teams play.
That said, let’s examine the one sneaky roster cut survivor who will make an eye-opening impact for the Jets in 2023.
Xavier Gipson – WR/KR
Brownlee and Charles may have more opportunities to make an impact at wide receiver since each has size and length and help fill that void left by Davis. But their playing time likely will be minimal, barring injury to others.
Despite being tricked by Saleh that he didn't make the team, Gipson could make an immediate impact as the kick and punt returner. He had three touchdowns on punt returns in three years at Stephen P. Austin University and averaged 31 yards a return as a senior.
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The two-time WAC player of the year was the Jets' primary return man in the preseason and averaged 28.0 yards on kickoff returns and 13.4 yards on punt returns.
Gipson had a 31-yard punt return Saturday against the New York Giants. And earlier in the preseason, he returned a kickoff 45 yards.
UDFA Xavier Gipson’s highlights from the pre-season 💨 pic.twitter.com/a2n1zx1i3V
— Dylan (@nyjetsfansonly) August 30, 2023
Despite being the smallest player on the roster (5-foot-9, 185 pounds) Gipson is an explosive and dynamic option. And, though Saleh hasn’t committed to Gipson as the No. 1 return man (Hardman and Cobb are in the mix), there’s a good chance he’ll be back there Week 1 against the Buffalo Bills.
“He’s the type of player we want,” wide receivers coach Zach Azzanni was caught on mic saying during the latest Hard Knocks episode.
He also earned praise from starting quarterback Aaron Rodgers.
Gipson likely is third behind Hardman and Cobb at the slot position. But he’s an intriguing option with his speed, shifty moves and playmaking ability, evidenced in his seven-catch performance against the Giants.
“’X’ has shown a dynamic ability in the return game,” Saleh said. “He's a really good football player, he has great feel for space. … The way he works and his mindset, you could tell he's going to be a really good football player in this league.”
Simply, Gipson looks the part of a player who’s going to give the Jets a surprising lift in 2023.
