Well, the Philadelphia Eagles have their solution to the horrible issues going on with their special teams.
NFL insider Tom Pelissero reported the Eagles are claiming former New York Giants wide receiver Xavier Gipson. Before the Giants, Gipson started his career with the New York Jets for three seasons.
The #Eagles claimed WR Xavier Gipson off waivers from the #Giants, per source.
— Tom Pelissero (@TomPelissero) September 22, 2025
During his three-year career, Gipson caught 27 passes for 268 yards and one touchdown in 35 games. He's been more known as a returner as he returned a punt return for a touchdown back in 2023 with the Jets as the game-winning on the opening weekend against the Buffalo Bills. Gipson has averaged 26 yards per kickoff return and 8.9 yards per punt return in his career.
Why the move could mean more than just fixing one aspect of the team?
During the Eagles' 33-26 comeback win over the Los Angeles Rams, training camp darling Darius Cooper suffered a shoulder injury. While it's not known how severe the injury is, Gipson's being claimed could be a sign it's more serious than expected.
It's also a sign that the Eagles are not happy with how Tank Bigsby and John Metchie did on kickoff return. Metchie had three muffed kickoffs, and Bigsby had one. The Eagles' average starting field position from the seven kickoffs was the 19-yard line. That is rough.
Gipson gives the Eagles an experienced kickoff returner who has been successful at the position. It also challenges Metchie and Bigsby to improve, or they could be out of a job.
At least for Metchie, he'll have a roster spot now that Cooper is hurt, but Bigsby might be out soon if Will Shipley returns from his rib injury. The Eagles will have enough depth at running back to move on from Bigsby.
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Sunday was a reminder to the Eagles that teams win games at all three phases: offense, defense, and special teams. While two field goal blocks won them the game, poor play on kickoff return almost ruined them. Gipson can solve their special teams problems instantly.