Belton Battles for Starting Role as Jets Seek Defensive Upgrades

Dane Belton, a former Giants safety, is in a tight battle to start alongside veteran Minkah Fitzpatrick for the Jets. In his fifth pro season, he's looking to cement his role and make an impact on the team.

Belton impressed during training camp and made plays when given opportunities, but was never a full-time starter with the Giants. He had career highs in tackles (120) and forced fumbles (three) for the Giants last season, creating four turnovers - more than the entire Jets defense did in 2025.

Jets head coach Aaron Glenn is high on Belton's skillset, praising his ball production and ability to compete. 'I think if you look over his career, the one thing that stands out about that player is his ball production,' Glenn said. 'He’s made a number of plays on the ball.'

Belton has been fighting for a starting spot alongside Andre Cisco and Malachi Moore, but his tackling ability - with a missed-tackle rate of 4.1% last season - could give him an edge.