Forgotten Jets free agent signing could emerge as key defensive starter

It's no secret that the New York Jets faced major struggles on defense during a dreadful 2025 campaign. It's also no secret that one of the biggest struggles was their inability to force turnovers.

It is well known by now that the Jets finished the season with zero interceptions, becoming the first team in NFL history to do so. They also set a new record for the fewest turnovers forced in a single season with four.

As the Jets get closer to the beginning of training camp, it's clear when looking back on the offseason that Darren Mougey and Aaron Glenn invested in players who have a track record of playmaking on defense.

A few key names that were brought in include Minkah Fitzpatrick and Nahshon Wright. Another under-the-radar move was Dane Belton, who could emerge as a key piece in the safety room that the Jets are looking for next to Fitzpatrick.

Dane Belton could emerge as key Jets starter

After spending the first four years of his career with the Giants, Belton signed a one-year, $4 million deal that can be worth up to $6 million with the Jets back in March.

Across his four seasons with the Giants, Belton appeared in 66 games, with 22 of those coming as starts. In those appearances, the 25-year-old proved to be a versatile secondary piece who also brought special teams value.

One of Belton's strongest attributes, though, was his ability as a playmaker. In 66 career games, Belton hauled in six interceptions, forced four fumbles with four recoveries, and 16 passes defended.

In total, the Iowa product has been involved in 14 plays that have resulted in a turnover. Simply put, he has a knack for finding the football even as someone who wasn't a consistent starter.

For a defense that was the complete opposite in 2025, Belton could be just what the doctor ordered for Glenn's unit entering the 2026 season. In a position battle with Malachi Moore, Belton's ability to force turnovers could loom large.

The possibility of Belton playing alongside Fitzpatrick, on top of Wright and D'Angelo Ponds potentially carving out starting roles at cornerback, the infusion of playmaking in the secondary would be a massive upgrade over last year.

The former fourth-round pick is also a very strong run defender and sure tackler. In 2025, Belton posted a career-best 70.7 Pro Football Focus run defense grade and a 90.6 tackling grade, which was also a career-high mark.

Belton also tallied an impressive 4.1% missed tackle rate to lower his career total to just 9%. Stopping the run and improved tackling are other massive keys to an improved Jets defense this year.

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