The New York Giants have made an unfortunate habit of letting some of their former players leave in free agency right before they are about to break out. It appears as though another one of these players may have slipped out of their grasp, as Dane Belton appears ready to make a mark with the New York Jets.
Competing with second-year player Malachi Moore and veteran Andre Cisco to win the Jets' second starting safety job next to Minkah Fitzpatrick. Reports from joint practices with the Tampa Bay Buccaneers suggested that Belton was one of the most impressive players, constantly making life hell for Baker Mayfield and the offense.
Head coach Aaron Glenn called the former Giants fourth-round pick a "ball magnet" and has constantly talked up his performance throughout the offseason. Belton appears to be ready to cash in and strut his stuff away from the Giants, which shows even more of that perfect timing that Joe Schoen has become famous for.
Former Giants safety Dane Belton starring at Jets training camp
The Giants' safety room is by no means a strength. Former second-round pick Tyler Nubin was graded out as just the 78th-best safety out of 98 in the eyes of Pro Football Focus last season. Jevon Holland's rocky 2025 season has helped his stock plummet, and Jason Pinnock's return may not have the on-field impact many expect.
Belton, who was an on-again/off-again starter for Big Blue over the last four years, may have had his finest individual season last year. The Giants second-leading tackler with three forced fumbles and an interception, the former Iowa standout is a classic strong safety who could serve as a nice stylistic contrast to Fitzpatrick as a more traditional ballhawk.
The Giants not bringing back Belton, who signed a one-year deal for just $4 million, could prove to be a crystal-clear example of leaving meat on the bone. Harbaugh and defensive coordinator Dennard Wilson are both former defensive backs coaches, and this secondary is by no means laden with enough star power to warrant this sacrifice of depth.
Belton is likely not going to make any sort of impact on the Jets' overall win-loss record, but he is proving to be a solid role player at the NFL level and someone who is an immediate upgrade at a position of need. The Giants may end up rueing the day they let Belton go to the other MetLife locker room to sign Ar'Darius Washington.
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