Kickoff Changes: Could New York Jets' Xavier Gipson Be Big Winner?

While teams are trying to adjust to the new kick-off return rules, the New York Jets have a competent player they can trust to field kicks in 2024.

Dec 28, 2023; Cleveland, Ohio, USA; New York Jets wide receiver Xavier Gipson (82) looks on after / Scott Galvin-USA TODAY Sports

Xavier Gipson made a massive splash as an undrafted free agent in his first ever game with the New York Jets.

After that, though, the Stephen F. Austin product struggled to find consistent success as a returner, and receiver.

Dec 28, 2023; Cleveland, Ohio, USA; New York Jets wide receiver Xavier Gipson (82) looks on after / Scott Galvin-USA TODAY Sports

Gipson was never expected to hold a major role on the offense in 2023, but a strong training camp helped propel him into the lineup as the organization's main returner. After his 65-yard punt-return on opening night gave the Jets a miracle win, he struggled to find a full role in the return game. His 511 return yards on kick offs were good for second in the entire NFL last season, but he also fumbled twice, and five times as a whole his rookie season.

Things could be much different for the 23-year-old next season, though.

With the NFL rule changes adopting the kick-off returns from the former XFL, kick-returns are going to be a major player in altering the outcomes in games. Teams are already looking to sign returners to the active roster now as a way to poach the best at making people miss in the open field.

The Jets already having a lightning rod at returner certainly helps them heading into 2024.

While Gipson did struggle at times during his rookie season, expectations for him should increase as he solely focuses on return duties instead of learning the entire offense and being put into specific packages. New York's special teams units were among the best in the league last year, so and added emphasis on the new return roles could set Gipson up for a massive sophomore season with Gang Green.

His 23.2 yards per return may have been right around average, but the Jets showed tremendous confidence in the young receiver to develop and remain consistent on a weekly basis. Sometimes that faith was rewarded, other times it was not.

For the Jets to really hit the ground running in a new season, though, all three phases of the organization need to have big years. New York has made additions to their offense and defense to help with depth, but it's the special teams unit that could provide the last ingredient of a Super Bowl caliber roster.

In that case, Gipson's sophomore season, coupled with the rule changes to returners, could shift the balance of powers for the Jets, and the rest of the AFC.