Dane Belton, formerly with the New York Giants, is in contention for a starting safety position with the New York Jets, a role that could help solidify one of the team's notable weaknesses from the previous season. After spending his initial NFL career in a complementary role, Belton is seeking to establish himself as a full-time starter in his fifth professional year.
Belton joined the Jets in free agency, motivated by the opportunity to cement his role and make a significant impact. "Looking at this team and the talent they have top to bottom, the leadership [they have], the leader we have in [head coach Aaron Glenn] down to the position coaches, it’s a room and a building you want to be in," Belton stated. "Looking at that, I thought it was a great opportunity here. I feel we have a really good team, and I’m really looking forward to this season."
In his most recent season with the Giants, the 25-year-old Belton recorded career highs in tackles with 120 and forced fumbles with three. He also had five passes defensed and made nine starts. His ball-hawking ability was evident during a recent training camp scrimmage, where he intercepted a pass from backup quarterback Cade Klubnik.
"I think if you look over his career, the one thing that stands out about that player is his ball production. He’s made a number of plays on the ball," Glenn said. "I know he’s been in a backup role for most of his career, but man, he’s fighting now. He’s fighting to see if he can get one of these jobs."
A particular strength Belton brings is his tackling. According to Pro Football Focus, he had the lowest missed-tackle percentage at 4.1% among safeties who played at least 400 snaps in the 2025 season. This contrasts with issues in the Jets' secondary, where missed tackles were a problem, with several safeties having missed-tackle rates above 10%.
"Being able to make plays in any role I’m in, help the team win, is really the biggest objective," Belton said. "I feel like for me, that’s one of my biggest skill sets is that no matter where I’m at, I can make plays to help the team. That’s what I’m going to do."
Belton is competing with Andre Cisco and Malachi Moore for the starting safety spot alongside veteran Minkah Fitzpatrick. Head coach Aaron Glenn expressed optimism about Belton's potential impact, noting his ball production, competitive spirit, and special teams value.
"When you have a guy that has ball production, that competes the way he competes and also has the special teams value, man, it’s hard not to take a hard look at that player and see how he fits into what you’re trying to do. He’s been doing a really good job for us, I’m excited about where he’s at," Glenn commented.
Belton is looking to take the next step in his career, and the Jets plan to utilize him at safety as well as in dime and nickel packages. "I’m really looking forward to this opportunity," Belton said.