Jets Sign Former Giants Safety Dane Belton

Belton joins Jets on one-year deal after four seasons with in-state rival

Published on Mar. 9, 2026

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The New York Jets have agreed to terms with former New York Giants safety Dane Belton, poaching him from their in-state rivals. Belton, a 2022 fourth-round pick, spent his first four NFL seasons with the Giants, where he developed into a reliable reserve safety and special teams contributor. The Jets will sign Belton to a one-year, $4 million deal that could be worth up to $6 million in total.

Why it matters

This move adds intrigue to the Jets-Giants rivalry as both teams look to strengthen their defenses ahead of the new league year. Belton's versatility and special teams prowess made him a valuable depth piece for the Giants, and his departure is a loss for their secondary.

The details

Over his four seasons with the Giants, Belton appeared in 66 games (22 starts), providing depth in the secondary and delivering several clutch plays. His performance on special teams also made him a valuable asset for the team. The Giants have addressed Belton's departure by reportedly agreeing to terms with defensive back Ar'Darius Washington, a former Baltimore Raven with five years of experience.

  • Belton spent his first four NFL seasons with the New York Giants from 2022 to 2025.
  • The Jets have agreed to sign Belton to a one-year, $4 million deal that could be worth up to $6 million in total.

The players

Dane Belton

A former fourth-round pick of the New York Giants in 2022, Belton spent his first four NFL seasons with the team, developing into a reliable reserve safety and special teams contributor.

Ar'Darius Washington

A defensive back with five years of NFL experience, Washington has reportedly agreed to terms with the New York Giants, providing depth in their secondary following Belton's departure.

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What’s next

The Jets and Giants will continue to monitor the free agent market and make additional roster moves as they prepare for the upcoming season.

The takeaway

Belton's departure from the Giants to the Jets highlights the competitive nature of the intrastate rivalry, as both teams seek to improve their defensive units through free agency and the draft.