This overlooked Jets signing could solve two major defensive problems

The New York Jets have struggled in two areas at the safety position for years. They haven't tackled consistently, and they haven't been able to regularly create takeaways. Dane Belton built his reputation doing both of those things.

The Jets signed the former New York Giants safety to a one-year, $4 million contract this offseason, and while many have penciled him in as a backup, Belton enters training camp with a legitimate chance to open the season as a starter alongside Minkah Fitzpatrick.

Day 53 of your 2026 Jets Camp Countdown belongs to the Hawkeye Ballhawk, the Timely Takeaway Technician, and the Safety Belt of the Jets' defense...it's Dane Belton.

1. Where Dane Belton stands entering Jets training camp
2. Dane Belton fixes two of the Jets' biggest problems
3. What would make 2026 a success for Dane Belton
4. Recent 2026 Camp Countdown Breakdowns

Where Dane Belton stands entering Jets training camp

Belton arrives in Florham Park after spending his first four NFL seasons with the Giants, who selected him in the fourth round of the 2022 NFL Draft out of Iowa. He started 22 games during his time with the Giants, including nine last season, while carving out a consistent role on special teams.

The Jets added Belton on a one-year deal this spring, giving them another experienced option alongside Fitzpatrick, second-year standout Malachi Moore, and the returning Andre Cisco.

Moore and Cisco will both compete for snaps — along with seventh-round rookie VJ Payne — but Belton has a real path to a starting role. In fact, Belton should probably be considered the favorite to start over Moore and Cisco entering training camp.

Dane Belton fixes two of the Jets' biggest problems

The Jets became the first team in NFL history to finish an entire season without recording an interception in 2025. They also set a new NFL record with just four takeaways, three fewer than the previous record-holder 49ers, who finished with seven in 2018.

Belton isn't going to fix those issues by himself, but his skill set fits exactly what this defense has lacked. He finished last season with a 90.6 Pro Football Focus tackling grade, tied with Xavier McKinney for the best mark among all qualifying safeties, per PFF. Belton missed just four tackles all year.

The ball also just seems to find him. Belton has intercepted at least one pass in every NFL season, giving him six interceptions in four years. He also forced three fumbles last season, has recovered four fumbles during his career, and has broken up 11 passes over the last two years.

Add in the fact that he's played at least 70 percent of his team's special teams snaps in each of the last three seasons, and it's easy to see why the Jets targeted him in free agency.

Coverage remains the biggest question. Belton has never posted a single-season PFF coverage grade higher than 61.3 and has allowed six touchdown receptions over the last two years. But that's partially why the Jets were able to sign him to such an affordable contract.

Even with those flaws, $4 million feels like a bargain for a safety who tackles this well, consistently finds the football, and can contribute on special teams.

Camp Countdown: Your guide to every player on the 2026 Jets roster

What would make 2026 a success for Dane Belton

Winning a starting job would obviously top the list, but Belton doesn't have to become a Pro Bowl safety to justify this signing.

If he helps clean up the Jets' tackling on the back end, creates a few takeaways, and continues to play a major role on Chris Banjo's special teams unit, the Jets will have gotten exactly what they hoped for when they signed him.

The Jets have spent years searching for more playmakers at safety. In many ways, Belton could be a better version of Ashtyn Davis for the organization.

If his reputation as a turnover-forcer and reliable tackler carries over to Florham Park, he could end up being one of the best value signings of the Jets' offseason.

Recent 2026 Camp Countdown Breakdowns

Add us as a preferred source on Google

Follow