Eagles Claim Xavier Gipson off Waivers to Bolster Return Game

Xavier Gipson, a wide receiver and return specialist, was claimed off waivers by the Philadelphia Eagles after brief stints with the New York Jets and New York Giants in the 2025 NFL season. Gipson initially signed with the Jets as an undrafted rookie in 2023 but was released following a costly fumble on a kickoff return in Week 1 that contributed to the Jets' loss to the Steelers. The Giants claimed Gipson next but waived him without playing him in a game. The Eagles, struggling with their kickoff return game highlighted by multiple muffed kicks in their Week 3 win over the Rams, brought Gipson in to bolster their special teams, specifically for his punt and kickoff return abilities. Despite Gipson's history of ball security issues, including 10 career fumbles, his career averages of around 26 yards per kickoff return and solid punt return numbers make him a potential solution for the Eagles' return problems. The move also coincides with injuries and performance issues among the Eagles' current returners, indicating Gipson could play a significant role on special teams if he can maintain ball security.