Jets Sign WR Isaiah Williams, Release WR Xavier Gipson

The New York Jets continue to shake up their roster. Per the team’s official site, the Jets have signed wide receiver Isaiah Williams and released wide receiver Xavier Gipson. This move comes just days after Gipson’s costly fumble in Week One against the Steelers, a mistake that head coach Aaron Glenn called out in his push for accountability.

Below is the full report from NewYorkJets.com:

The Jets have signed WR Isaiah Williams and released WR Xavier Gipson.

Williams (5-10, 185), a second-year player from Illinois, joins the Green & White after a stint on the Cincinnati Bengals’ practice squad. An undrafted free agent who signed with the Detroit Lions on May 10, 2024, Williams started his rookie season with Detroit before being waived by the Lions on Nov. 7. Appearing in 8 games (2 with Detroit and 6 with Cincinnati), Williams had 11 PRs for 93 yards (8.5 average) with the Bengals.

The St. Louis, MO native led the Big Ten in 2023 in receptions (82) and ranked second in receiving yards (1055), while returning 11 punts for 127 yards (11.5). He was named first-team All-Big Ten as a WR and honorable mention All-Big Ten as a return specialist.

Gipson (5-9, 189), a Stephen F. Austin product who signed with the Jets as an undrafted free agent in 2023, played 35 games for the Green & White and had 27 receptions for 268 yards with 1 TD. He averaged 8.9 yards on 68 punt returns with 1 TD and also averaged 26 yards on 44 kick returns.

Isaiah Williams

Isaiah Williams is a 5’10”, 185-pound wide receiver and return specialist from St. Louis, Missouri. A star quarterback in high school, he switched to wide receiver at Illinois in 2021 and became one of the Big Ten’s most productive playmakers. He finished his college career with 214 receptions, 2,304 yards, and 14 touchdowns, earning First-Team All-Big Ten honors in 2023.

Undrafted in 2024, Williams signed with the Detroit Lions and appeared in two games before being waived. The Cincinnati Bengals claimed him off waivers, where he handled punt return duties and provided depth at receiver. After spending time on Cincinnati’s practice squad in 2025, he now joins the Jets, where his versatility and special teams experience could give him an immediate role.