When the Jets kick off the 2026 season, one of the biggest questions facing Aaron Glenn and company is who, if anyone, might emerge from a now crowded safety room as a playmaker. Big play safeties has been a staple of Glenn’s defenses in New Orleans and Detroit. Last year with Gang Green, there was hardly a big play worth mentioning from the group.
This year’s candidates feature some of the same names, but there are also some key additions who might give the Jets the difference maker they covet.
The biggest name in the group is veteran Minkah Fitzpatrick, but exactly what role he fills for Glenn remains to be seen. It’s entirely possible he’ll be a chess piece who plays in a variety of spots to maximize his ability while keeping offenses on their toes. If all goes well for Fitzpatrick, the decision to bring him on board for 7th round pick will be a boon.
If not Fitzpatrick, why not a bounce back season from veteran Andre Cisco? After signing with the Jets last off-season, Cisco had little to no impact in the eight games he played before landing on IR. After racking up seven interceptions over his first two seasons as a pro, Cisco managed just one interception in 2024 before going without a pick last season. If Cisco is hoping to hang around, he’s going to have to make some plays at some point. Having added to the room via the draft, trade and free agency, there’s more competition than there was when Cisco signed last year.
In addition to Fitzpatrick and Cisco, the Jets added free agent Dane Belton from the Giants. A hard-hitting athletic defender, Belton has managed to intercept six passes in a sub role through his first four pro seasons. Not what you might consider gaudy production, but for a team that had zero interceptions last season, any takeaways would be welcome.
Behind that trio will be second-year player Malachi Moore, rookie draft choice VJ Payne and a pair of previously signed undrafted free agents in Jarius Monroe and Dean Clark.
Moore should be right in the thick of things to win a starting job after a solid showing as a rookie last season. Known as more of a “steady Eddie” than a guy who delivers splash plays, Moore . In 64-games over his five collegiate seasons, Moore managed seven interceptions and 3 forced fumbles.
Monroe and Clark are the long shots in the group but Monroe had himself a very impressive preseason last year which he’ll look to build on, while Clark has a great deal of versatility that he’ll hope will help him stick around.