Nov 9, 2025; East Rutherford, New Jersey, USA; New York Jets head coach Aaron Glenn reacts after a Jets touchdown during the second half against the Cleveland Browns at MetLife Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Vincent Carchietta-Imagn Images
The Jets have agreed to terms on a deal with free agent safety Dane Belton, showing that when it comes to fixing one of the worst defenses in the NFL, GM Darren Mougey and head coach Aaron Glenn mean business. Belton becomes the fifth free agent signing of the day with all five coming on the defensive side of the ball.
Belton will join Minkah Fitzpatrick, a sixth defensive player added today via trade, in the Jets secondary which gives Gang Green a pair of versatile chess pieces for Aaron Glenn to deploy.
Belton is a player Jets fans should be excited about given their need to get better at stopping the run and taking the football away. Belton had a miniscule missed tackle rate last season at 4.1% according to PFF.com, and he has also intercepted six passes in four years in what has mostly been a backup role.
Second-year safety Malachi Moore will likely compete with Belton for the starting role, but there is a world in which both players see significant snaps.
The deal is for one year and worth up to $6 million.