For years, Dane Belton waited his turn while producing in a complementary role.
He frequently impressed during training camp and made plays when given an opportunity. But his time as a full-time starter with the Giants never came.
Belton didn’t have to leave North Jersey after becoming a free agent. The Jets came calling and are giving the former Iowa standout a chance to make his mark in his fifth pro season.
“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 said. “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 that free agency process, I really wanted to find a place where I could cement my role and impact the team in a big way.”
A 2022 fourth-round pick, Belton is battling Andre Cisco and Malachi Moore to start at safety alongside veteran Minkah Fitzpatrick. That position in the Jets defensive backfield was a considerable weakness a year ago.
Enter 6-foot-1, 205-pound Belton, who is coming off his best NFL season. He set career highs in tackles (120) and forced fumbles (three) for the Giants. He also had five passes defensed while making nine starts. He created as many turnovers (four) as the entire Jets defense did in 2025.
The 25-year-old has showcased that skill in camp, frequently finding the ball. During Saturday’s intrasquad scrimmage, Belton picked off 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.
“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.”
Belton’s tackling is a particular strength. He had the lowest missed-tackle percentage (4.1) among safeties to record at least 400 snaps in 2025, according to Pro Football Focus. Missed tackles were a problem for the Jets secondary. Moore missed 11 tackles, while Cisco and Tony Adams whiffed on nine apiece. No Jets safety had a missed-tackle rate under 10 percent.
“Being able to make plays in any role I’m in, help the team win, is really the biggest objective,” he 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 has no ill will toward the Giants. He’s grateful for the chance they gave him.
He’s ready to take the next step in his career, and the Jets seem to have big plans for him. Glenn is intent on using him at safety, as well as dime and nickel packages.
“I’m really looking forward to this opportunity,” Belton said.
