Ex-Giant Dane Belton in tight battle to become answer for one of Jets' biggest weaknesses

Dane Belton is in a tight competition for a starting safety role with the New York Jets, one of the franchise’s biggest defensive needs. The former Iowa standout joined the Jets as a free agent for his fifth NFL season after spending previous years producing in a complementary role with the New York Giants. A 2022 fourth-round pick, Belton is battling Andre Cisco and Malachi Moore to start alongside veteran Minkah Fitzpatrick. In 2025 he set career highs with 120 tackles and three forced fumbles, adding five passes defensed and nine starts. Jets coach Aaron Glenn highlighted Belton’s ball production and special-teams value. The article also cites his low missed-tackle rate (4.1% in 2025) as a key strength.