Jets first unofficial depth chart shows crucial position battle is truly anyone's game

The New York Jets released their first unofficial depth chart of the 2026 offseason on Monday, and while it should certainly be considered unofficial, there are still some interesting takeaways to deduce from it.

For starters, rookie fourth-round pick Cade Klubnik is very clearly listed as the second-team quarterback behind Geno Smith, with both Bailey Zappe and Brady Cook taking up the slot on the third-team.

No. 2 overall pick David Bailey is also listed on the second team, despite being the biggest standout pass rusher on the entire roster throughout training camp. Kingsley Enagbare and Will McDonald are ahead of him.

Arguably the most heated of the Jets training camp battles is on full display on the unofficial depth chart as well. Minkah Fitzpatrick is the only named starter, while all three of Andre Cisco, Dane Belton, and Malachi Moore are listed under the first team.

Despite being roughly three weeks into training camp, it seems neither one of the three veteran safeties has been able to distinguish themselves from the other two.

New York Jets unofficial depth chart highlights battle for starting safety job

Throughout training camp, the safety who has received the most positive reports has been the newest addition, Belton.

The Athletic's Zack Rosenblatt shared from practice on August 3 that the former New York Giants draft pick "stood out" and made several plays in the backfield. Rosenblatt said Belton "might've had a couple of sacks" had it been a live game setting.

One thing is for sure: he's the most trustworthy of the bunch. Appearing in all 17 games last season, Belton recorded 120 tackles, two sacks, five pass breakups, and one interception.

During the first joint practice with the Tampa Bay Buccaneers, Belton was reportedly "all over the field" and made several plays, according to Rosenblatt. It's becoming increasingly obvious he's the answer for New York.

Cisco, on the other hand, was signed by the Jets to be a starter ahead of the 2025 season. He started the first eight games, to mixed results, and had his season ended prematurely due to a torn pectoral muscle. He has continued to struggle throughout camp.

The Jets are likely hoping Moore is the one who stands out amongst the rest. The 2025 fourth-round draft pick has the most invested in him internally and took some lumps throughout his rookie season.

For now, the Jets' best-case scenario seems to be turning to Belton as their starter opposite Fitzpatrick, while Moore continues to develop from the sidelines.

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