Day two of NFL free agency is in the books, and the New York Jets have made a plethora of defensive additions.
Seven of their eight additions since Monday morning, including a trade for Minkah Fitzpatrick, have come on defense, signaling an overhaul of that unit.
The move that is flying under the radar more than any other, though? That would be the team’s decision to sign former New York Giants safety Dane Belton.
Dane Belton is an outstanding find by Darren Mougey
Entering free agency, safety was a glaring need for the Jets.
In 2025, the group was among the league’s worst. Free agent addition Andre Cisco suffered a season-ending pectoral injury in Week 8 after battling a difficult start to the season.
As a result of the injury, the New York was forced to turn to Tony Adams and fourth-round rookie Malachi Moore to assume starting roles. Adams finished the season with an atrocious 15.5% missed tackle rate, while Moore was still adjusting to the professional game.
Before the legal tampering window even opened, Mougey acquired Fitzpatrick, a three-time All-Pro who remains one of the best in the league at his position.
Later on Monday, the team agreed with Belton on a one-year deal worth up to $6 million.
The former fourth-round pick has spent all four of his NFL seasons with the New York Giants, appearing in 66 games (22 starts), collecting 240 total tackles (134 solo), 16 passes defended, six interceptions, and four forced fumbles.
During the 2025 season, Belton posted 67 total tackles, five passes defended, and an interception while forcing three fumbles, which was tied for the most among all safeties.
Beyond that, he also made an impact on special teams, earning a solid 71.6 special grade from Pro Football Focus while finishing second in snaps among the Giants’ special teamers.
The Iowa product can also play all over the defense. In 2025, he logged snaps in the box (272), while also spending time at free safety (278 snaps), slot corner (124), and boundary CB (17).
This is another spectacular value addition by Jets general manager Darren Mougey.
Gang Green landed a versatile defender who can make plays on the ball, evidenced by his career totals of six interceptions, four forced fumbles, and four fumble recoveries despite starting only 22 games.
Entering free agency, the Jets had multiple holes across their secondary. While the unit still isn’t perfect, Mougey has made meaningful moves that certainly help the group.
Through the additions of players such as Nahshon Wright and Belton, along with the acquisition of Fitzpatrick, the Jets have significantly strengthened the back end of their defense.
The secondary now looks far more serviceable than it did just weeks ago.
As a result, New York is no longer forced to devote major draft capital to the position and can instead shift its focus toward improving the offense.
Just days into free agency, Mougey has already done a fantastic job of fixing one of the Jets’ biggest holes, and he did it without breaking the bank.