March 12, 2026, 8:01 a.m. CT
After a few other former Iowa football stars cashed in on significant NFL free agency deals, former Hawkeye defensive back Dane Belton has agreed to terms on a contract with the New York Jets.
Ironically, the 2022 fourth-round NFL draft selection (No. 144 overall) by the New York Giants will not need to move very far at all for next season, as both franchises play at MetLife Stadium in the Meadowlands Sports Complex of East Rutherford, N.J.
Per NFL insider Jordan Schultz, the Jets have agreed to sign the former Hawkeye to a one-year, $4 million deal that could be worth up to $6 million in total.
Across 66 games played (22 starts) in his four seasons with the Giants, Belton has 240 (134 solo and 106 assisted) tackles, 16 passes defended, seven quarterback stuffs for 13 yards, six interceptions for 30 return yards, four sacks, four forced fumbles, and three fumble recoveries.
During his three seasons in Iowa City from 2019-21, Belton recorded 112 tackles (68 solo and 44 assisted), 17 passes defended, 12 pass break-ups, 6.5 tackles for loss, five interceptions, one forced fumble, and one fumble recovery in 26 starts across 30 contests played.
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For the Jets, Belton brings versatility and a much-needed sense of durability on the back end of their defense, as Belton has not missed a game in the past three seasons while a part of the Giants.
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