Jets have an obvious extension candidate hiding in plain sight with Dane Belton

New York Jets general manager Darren Mougey deserves some flak for some of his bigger free agent busts, such as edge Joseph Ossai. But it's fair to give him credit where it's due, and he is most certainly due some praise for the signing of safety Dane Belton.

Belton, a former New York Giants fourth-round draft pick, was signed to a one-year, $4 million contract this past spring to compete for a starting safety job across from Minkah Fitzpatrick. Belton set himself apart from the likes of Andre Cisco and Malachi Moore rather quickly.

Now, four games into the season, Belton has outperformed his contract by a wide margin. When Fitzpatrick was out with an injury, it was Belton who stepped in and played the part of a former All-Pro on the back end of the Jets' defense, and did so admirably well at that.

There haven't been all that many bright spots for the Jets so far in 2026, and Belton is absolutely one of them. As an impending free agent, Mougey and company may want to get the groundwork going on a contract extension, because Belton might be playing himself into a role as a key piece of the Jets' defense.

New York Jets should look to lock down Dane Belton as soon as possible

Whatever Belton's next contract is going to be, it almost certainly won't be a one-year, prove-it deal. If he hits the open market, he's more than likely to land a multi-year contract, and the Jets should be the ones to give it to him.

Through four games in 2026, Belton has been one of the NFL's best safeties, full stop. According to Pro Football Focus, he's been the 11th-best, to be exact, boasting a 78.0 overall grade.

His work in coverage has been solid, but where he's stood out the most is in run defense. His run-defense grade of 85.4 ranks seventh-best among 93 qualified players.

While Belton is certainly playing at a high level right now, it's unlikely he'll command a top-of-the-line contract. Fitzpatrick currently earns an annual salary of $13.33 million, and Belton will likely be worthy of something smaller than that.

A deal similar to what the Houston Texans gave free agent safety Reed Blankenship on the open market could be worthy of Belton's play. Three years, $24.75 million, could be a fair blueprint that would keep both the Jets and their safety happy.

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