The New York Giants overhauled their defense this offseason through both the NFL Draft and free agency, aiming for a quick and dramatic turnaround in 2025.
Before standout linebacker Abdul Carter was taken with the No. 3 overall pick — and impressed teammates and coaches this spring — the Giants had already made big moves in the secondary. They signed cornerback Paulson Adebo and safety Jevon Holland, hoping to fix a unit that had been talented but underperforming.
Those additions cast doubt on the future of Dane Belton, who seemed at risk of being pushed out of the picture. But according to ESPN’s Jordan Raanan, Belton’s strong performance this spring has changed the narrative.
“Earlier this offseason, it looked like Belton might become an afterthought following Holland’s arrival,” Raanan wrote. “But think again.” Giants defensive coordinator Shane Bowen echoed that sentiment, saying, “He’s been really good for us early. Like, he’s had a really good spring. We’re finding ways to get him on the field and use what he brings.”
Belton, a 2022 fourth-round pick out of Iowa, was a spring standout — grabbing three interceptions during just five open practices. Even if he doesn’t start, he’s expected to play a meaningful role as the team’s third safety. And he’s earned it. Despite an inconsistent 2024 season, Belton posted career highs with 56 tackles, one sack, one forced fumble, one interception, and six pass breakups.
Still, the numbers weren’t all good. Pro Football Focus reported that quarterbacks had a 116.1 passer rating when targeting Belton last season, which likely motivated GM Joe Schoen to bring in a proven playmaker like Holland.
Dane Belton
That said, if the Giants adopt more three-safety packages — as Bowen has hinted — Belton could carve out a steady role. His knack for forcing turnovers may be his ticket onto the field.
Takeaways are a major point of emphasis for Bowen in 2025.
“The main thing is emphasizing takeaways,” Bowen said earlier this spring. “Somehow we got this idea of piracy — violent, aggressive, stealing possessions. You’ll hear our guys say it. I say it all the time: ‘Be a damn pirate.’ We’ve got to find ways to take the ball. That’s our priority this year.”
The Giants ranked 28th in takeaways last season, which helps explain their urgency in adding turnover producers like Adebo (10 career INTs) and Holland (5 career INTs).
Still, with training camp fast approaching, Belton’s momentum is hard to ignore.
“He’s had a really good spring,” Bowen reiterated. “We’re finding ways to use him, to let him show what he can do to help this defense.”
At just 24 years old, Belton is fighting his way back into the rotation — and if his spring performance is any indication, he might be tough to keep off the field.
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