Under-the-radar Jets free agent signing makes waves at training camp

Anyone old enough to remember Geno Smith’s first New York Jets tenure knows all about the “prove-it” deal. John Idzik loved finding assorted veterans and offering them a one-year contract to see what they still had left in the tank.

Darren Mougey must have had Idzik in mind when the Jets signed Giants safety Dane Belton to a one-year, $4 million contract in March. The 25-year-old Belton stuffed the stat sheet last year, racking up 120 tackles, two sacks, an interception, and three forced fumbles over 17 games and nine starts.

But the market clearly wasn’t there, and the Jets pounced. It’s been so far, so good, and Belton stood out during Monday’s practice. The Athletic’s Zack Rosenblatt reported that Belton was frequently in the backfield and had multiple plays that could have been sacks.

And as meaningless as the daily practice updates might seem, it’s always intriguing when someone like Belton pops up on reporters’ radars.

Dane Belton should have New York Jets fans extremely excited

Outside of the marquee names, most players only hear their names mentioned in training camp for one of two reasons: something went horribly wrong, or they’re standing out for the right reasons. Sometimes, if injuries are involved, then the two may very well intersect.

In all seriousness, good on Belton for putting his name out there. It remains surprising that he took a one-year deal with only $2 million guaranteed, but at least the Jets have a chance to reap the rewards.

And luckily for Belton, he’s standing out while prized rookie D’Angelo Ponds is reportedly off to a slow start. It’s obviously too early to be concerned about Ponds, an All-American who drew comparisons to Jets coach Aaron Glenn throughout the pre-draft process. Multiple things can be true: Belton playing well is good, and Ponds will find his stride.

Granted, the two don’t play the same position, but Belton is unintentionally drawing attention away from a slightly struggling teammate. Those on the D’Angelo Ponds Hype Train now have another reason to root for Belton.

Belton has age and a proven track record on his side, too. And for what it’s worth, he’s also very familiar with the expectations of playing in the New York market.

That needs to mean something, especially for any Mets fans who watched Freddy Peralta struggle after coming over from Milwaukee. Some athletes are made for the Big Apple, and others aren’t. It’s a tale as old as time. 

Besides, it’s far better to be talking about possible backup defensive backs rather than injuries or issues at quarterback. Maybe the football overseers have decided to smile upon Jets fans for once. 

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