New York Jets defensive back Andre Cisco stated his primary focus is on finding a solidified role within the team rather than solely competing against teammate Dane Belton for a starting safety position. Cisco, who re-signed with the Jets in March after a season-ending shoulder injury last year, expressed gratitude for the opportunity to compete in the NFL.
"Finding a role within the team is more important than beating somebody out," Cisco said. "We’re all on the same team. I want to solidify a role so I can contribute."
His first season back with his hometown team was cut short after eight starts due to injury, leading to a slow free agency period. Cisco is embracing the chance to play again and prove his worth.
"I look back to what was just maybe nine months ago: I’m coming off the field, injured off a one-year deal, not sure what my next year is going to look like," he said. "So for myself, being back in the building, back on the team and in a competition to start in the NFL, I’m not going to lose sight of how grateful I have to be to be in that."
Defensive coordinator Brian Duker has noted that the competition between Cisco and Belton is ongoing, with no clear winner yet. Duker sees similar skill sets in both players, noting their ability to play in the box and as deep safeties.
A key objective for the Jets' secondary this season is improving their ability to force turnovers, as the team failed to record an interception last season. Cisco, who had seven interceptions combined in the 2022-23 seasons, recently made an interception in a preseason game against the Steelers, a significant play for his confidence.
"I honestly say for me moving forward, it’s mainly about confidence," the 26-year-old Cisco said. "Any time you’re doing something, whether it’s tackling, blocking, you have to do it with confidence. There’s two types of confidence. Believing you can do it and seeing yourself do it. Me seeing myself make plays on the field, taking the ball away at a clip I’m used to and I’m familiar with, that’s important for me in my development."
Cisco believes that consistently proving his value daily is crucial for securing playing time, regardless of current starter status. "There’s roles within the team. So there’s certain roles if you prove your value, they’re going to find a way to get you on the field, and that’s from top to bottom," he said. "To get on the field, you need to prove your value each and every day. You may be a starter now, and you’re not proving your value, that’s when things start to change."