The Philadelphia Eagles parted ways with receiver/kick returner Xavier Gipson after the veteran's key fumble against the Dallas Cowboys. A big piece of setting up the Dallas comeback was the fact that Gipson put the ball on the turf for the second time in his short stint with Philly and helped breathe life back into the Cowboys.
With this in mind, Gipson's release wasn't at all a surprise. What has been more shocking is the fact that the receiver already has a new landing spot with the New York Giants, adding Gipson to the practice squad, according to USA TODAY's Art Stapleton.
It will be Gipson's third landing spot of the season and his second time with the Giants. The Giants first claimed the playmaker off waivers from the New York Jets before the Eagles followed suit and claimed Gipson from the Giants. It is a merry-go-round of a season for a player who remains talented but is going to have to prove he can protect the football.
Philadelphia jettisoned Gipson based on two fumbles in a very short tenure with the Eagles. Borderline practice squad players cannot struggle at this level with ball security. Even with Gipson's speed and big play ability, it makes sense that Philly was ready to turn the page and allow more reliable options the chance.
Ex-Eagle Xavier Gipson Saved by Giants Following Philly Release
Second chances aren't rare in the NFL; however, seeing the same player on his fourth different team is a bit of a rarity. It is a move that speaks to the speed of Gipson and the complete lack of options the Giants have when it comes to playmakers. Already, New York has lost top wideout Malik Nabers and running back Cam Skattebo this year and appears to be content limping through the season with unreliable veterans, meaning the NFC East rival has nothing to lose by taking a flyer here.
As harsh as this might seem, it is exactly what Gipson proved to be in a season where the Eagles simply couldn't afford to have anything else go wrong. A kick returner who cannot reliably hold onto the ball is obviously not going to carry much value. The same can be said of Gipson as a receiver, with the pass catcher offering only 45 receiving yards and a touchdown on eight catches since the start of the 2024 season.
All of this adds up to paint a clear picture as to why the Eagles moved on, and makes it a bit surprising that Gipson has found a new landing spot so quickly after his release. In truth, being added to the Giants' practice squad speaks to their level of desperation and not the talent of a player who has proven to be a liability. No question, Philadelphia made the right decision turning the page, and that doesn't change even with Gipson's surprise new landing spot.