Giants Safety Dane Belton Joins NY Jets

Belton, a 2022 draft pick, departs Big Blue for crosstown rival

Published on Mar. 9, 2026

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The New York Giants have lost safety Dane Belton, a key special teams contributor and defensive playmaker, to their crosstown rival New York Jets. Belton, a 2022 draft pick, has agreed to terms with the Jets and will look to earn a starting role in their defense.

Why it matters

Belton was a promising young player for the Giants, and his departure represents a loss of depth and talent in their secondary. The move also strengthens the Jets, who are looking to improve their defense under coordinator Aaron Glenn.

The details

Over the last four seasons, Belton recorded 6 interceptions, 16 passes defensed, 4 forced fumbles, and 4.0 sacks. While he was never a consistent starter for the Giants, he was a valuable contributor on special teams and in certain defensive packages as a blitzing safety close to the line of scrimmage.

  • Belton was drafted by the Giants in 2022.

The players

Dane Belton

A safety who was drafted by the New York Giants in 2022 and has now agreed to terms with the New York Jets.

Aaron Glenn

The defensive coordinator for the New York Jets, who will look to utilize Belton's skillset in his defense.

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The takeaway

The Giants' loss of Belton to their crosstown rival Jets represents a blow to their secondary depth, while the Jets look to bolster their defense with a promising young safety.