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Jets Sign Safety Dane Belton, Boost Defensive Depth

8/10/2026

Summary

Belton Joins Jets

The New York Jets signed free-agent safety Dane Belton on June 17, 2026; he posted 120 tackles, three forced fumbles, five passes defensed in 2025 and a 4.1% missed-tackle rate, the lowest among safeties.
Head coach Aaron Glenn praised Belton after he intercepted backup quarterback Cade Klubnik in an August 6, 2026 intrasquad scrimmage.
Belton will battle Andre Cisco, Malachi Moore and Minkah Fitzpatrick, with GM Darren Mougey saying the Jets will add safety depth via trade or waiver-wire.

Summary

Glenn Clears Bailey

Coach Aaron Glenn confirmed rookie edge defender David Bailey was fine after an ankle scare during the August 8, 2026 fan workout.
The Jets held an open practice that let fans watch a full-field scrimmage, the first public session of camp.
Quarterback Geno Smith completed 12 of 120 passes for 157 yards and one touchdown, showing lingering offensive issues.

History

Historical Context

On March 1 1993 the NFL replaced the Plan B system with unrestricted free agency, letting players with four accrued seasons sign any team. This shift gave clubs new leverage in building depth, a model the New York Jets have followed from early-1990s signings to their June 2026 acquisition of safety Dane Belton. The change also introduced the transition tag that season.

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Belton Joins Jets

The New York Jets signed free-agent safety Dane Belton on June 17, 2026; he posted 120 tackles, three forced fumbles, five passes defensed in 2025 and a 4.1% missed-tackle rate, the lowest among safeties.
Head coach Aaron Glenn praised Belton after he intercepted backup quarterback Cade Klubnik in an August 6, 2026 intrasquad scrimmage.
Belton will battle Andre Cisco, Malachi Moore and Minkah Fitzpatrick, with GM Darren Mougey saying the Jets will add safety depth via trade or waiver-wire.

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