It likely comes as no surprise that the New York Giants are near the bottom in turnover differential once again. Last year they ranked 26th, with a dismal minus-eight, and aren't trending any better this year, with a minus-six disparity, ranking 28th.
Overall, they have nine takeaways, which is the third-worst mark in the league. It's no wonder their defense struggles so much -- they're not opportunistic and can't get off the field. That's called a recipe for disaster. Help isn't coming anytime soon... or at least, we thought it wasn't.
Preseason standout Dane Belton wasn't even supposed to make the 53-man roster this past offseason, but a strong summer had fans and the coaching staff buzzing over the potential turnover machine and his impact in Year 4. Creating turnovers was his calling card, but he needs to be more consistent if he’s going to ink an extension.
It looks like his preseason juice is belatedly starting to spill over into the regular season... just about 15 weeks later than anyone would've liked.
During Sunday's 29-21 loss to the Washington Commanders, Belton was making plays all over the field. The 2022 fourth-round pick out of Iowa had eight tackles (four solo), one sack, and two forced fumbles, putting together his most impressive performance of 2025 by a mile. Right on cue.
Dane Belton’s Giants breakout couldn’t come at better time with free agency looming
According to Spotrac, the 25-year-old could see quite the pay increase once free agency rolls around, to the tune of $5.5 million annually. For reference, his rookie contract paid him $4.4 million over the past four years. Over the Cap has him valued at half that amount, at $2.5 million. That feels a bit safer, but we'll see.
Either way, it's a hefty price tag for a third-string safety and a cap-strapped team, but he's been one of the few guys on the team who can force a turnover and play multiple positions, and the best teams find ways to keep their cupboards stocked with reliable depth pieces.
He did give up a 51-yard touchdown pass to Terry McLaurin, but Rome wasn't built in a day. He's finally seeing consistent playing time this season, and he's making the most out of it -- forcing two turnovers is a great place to start.
There's a very real possibility he opts to go to another team to earn a starting role to secure more of said playing time. And it's games like Week 15 that'll keep him in the conversation.
This year's free agency group will be a toughie to stand out in. Bryan Cook, Jalen Thompson, Kamren Curl, and Quentin Lake headline a strong safety group looking to capitalize on expensive, long-term deals. That may or may not work in Belton's favor. Regardless, if the price ends up being right, Big Blue should definitely consider bringing this playmaker back.