Malachi Moore needs to create a training camp problem Jets would welcome

Safety was a problem area for the New York Jets over the past several years. They've taken swings to improve that unit, but it hasn't worked out. That's why they traded for Minkah Fitzpatrick and gave him a three-year, $40 million extension.

With him locking down a safety spot, there's going to be a competition for the second one between Malachi Moore and Dane Belton. But if Moore can take that job by the horns, that would be a massive win for New York.

Malachi Moore can give the Jets the best kind of training camp problem

Moore was taken in the fourth round of the 2025 NFL draft, and he was given plenty of reps as a rookie. He appeared in all 17 games, logging 950 defensive snaps (84 percent). Across those outings, with 14 starts, he finished with 101 total tackles, three pass deflections, and a forced fumble.

On Pro Football Focus, Moore finished with a 58.9 overall grade (72nd among 98 graded safeties), a 54 coverage grade (70th among 98 graded safeties), and a 70.1 run defense grade (53rd among 98 graded safeties).

While there's room to grow there, you'd hope that with him going into his sophomore season, he'll be better equipped and prepared for what's going to come his way. He'll have to beat out Belton, who was given a one-year deal that can reach $6 million.

And Belton has been a solid rotational player in the NFL. In 66 career games (22 starts), he has 240 total tackles, eight TFLs, 16 pass deflections, four forced fumbles, and six interceptions. One of his biggest strengths is his tackling ability.

Last season, per PFF, Belton finished with the lowest missed tackle percentage (4.1) among safeties who logged at least 400 snaps, as The Athletic's Zack Rosenblatt pointed out.

With more experience and production on Belton's side, he may have the edge going into camp, but how Moore produces in the snaps he's given will determine who wins this battle. Head coach Aaron Glenn and general manager Darren Mougey drafted him because they like what they see in him.

During his collegiate career at Alabama, he was a four-year starter and wore multiple hats, including the "star" nickel spot and safety. He was also the first freshman to start a Crimson Tide opener since his teammate Fitzpatrick. Moore was also a team captain, showcasing his leadership skills.

There are several things to like about Moore, on and off the field. This summer will be crucial, and if he can snatch that starting job, it will have positive ripple effects on the team. New York could have Fitzpatrick and Moore as their starting duo, with Belton being the third safety on the depth chart.

That would leave the fourth spot between Andre Cisco and VJ Payne, which is how the Jets want this process to shake out. Training camp is a couple of weeks away, and this comp should have a lot of eyes on it in Florham Park.

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