Positional battles dominate the headlines during each team’s NFL training camp.

The overhauled New York Jets will have no shortage of those this year.

Aside from kicker, which we already broke down, let’s preview the top three battles set to take place over the summer in Florham Park.

Safety: Dane Belton vs. Malachi Moore

Dane Belton and Malachi Moore’s battle for one of the Jets’ starting safety roles will be among the most fascinating to watch.

Over four seasons with the New York Giants, Belton totaled 240 total tackles (134 solo), 16 pass deflections, six interceptions, and four forced fumbles in 66 games (22 starts).

In 2025, he logged 67 total tackles, five passes defended, an interception, and three forced fumbles, tied for the most among all safeties last season.

He also boasts tremendous versatility, having logged snaps in the box (272), free safety (278), slot corner (124), and boundary CB (17) last season.

Most impressive is his ability to make plays on the ball. In just 22 starts, he has already posted six interceptions, four forced fumbles, and four fumble recoveries.

Down the stretch in 2025, Moore got an opportunity to start games for the Jets as a fourth-round rookie, while spending time at slot corner (200), in the box (326), and free safety (374).

Belton obviously has more starting experience and a proven track record than Moore, making him the favorite in my eyes heading into the summer.

Cornerback: Who will emerge?

As our own Stefan Stelling dissected, the Jets’ cornerback competition will be highly intriguing this summer.

Here is a look at the Jets’ current depth chart at CB.

  • Brandon Stephens (BCB)
  • Azareye’h Thomas (BCB)
  • Jarvis Brownlee Jr. (SCB)
  • D’Angelo Ponds (SCB, BCB)
  • Nahshon Wright (BCB)
  • Qwan’tez Stiggers (BCB)
  • Jordan Clark (SCB)
  • Tre Brown (BCB)
  • Samuel Womack III (SCB)
  • Mory Bamba (BCB)

Stephens showed flashes at times last season, but he struggled to be consistent. After signing on to a three-year, $36 million deal with the team last offseason, he finished the year with an 8:0 touchdown-to-INT ratio.

In just 311 snaps last season, Azareye’h Thomas passed the eye test as a rookie. With a strong year, he could run away with the Jets’ long-term CB1 role.

It will also be interesting to monitor Nahshon Wright on the outside and what his role looks like. A Pro Bowler last season, he led cornerbacks with five interceptions, showcasing his excellent ability to make plays on the ball.

However, he struggled mightily in coverage. Per Pro Football Focus, Wright allowed 725 yards and seven touchdowns on throws into his coverage, the fifth-most among CBs in each category.

Wright was one of only two NFL cornerbacks to allow 700+ yards and 7+ touchdowns in his coverage, alongside Mike Sainristil of the Washington Commanders.

In the slot, Jarvis Brownlee Jr. proved to be a solid run defender last season, but his struggles in coverage and penalty woes outweighed the positive elements of his game.

While D’Angelo Ponds, the No. 50 pick in April’s NFL draft, will take reps in both the slot and the outside, he has a legitimate chance to earn the Jets’ starting slot role.

Overall, the Jets’ CB room as a whole will be riddled with competition this summer.

QB2: Cade Klubnik’s job?

While Aaron Glenn announced Bailey Zappe is currently penciled in as the Jets’ QB2, the head coach confirmed that it will be an open competition throughout the summer between Zappe, Brady Cook, and fourth-round rookie Cade Klubnik.

However, after his play throughout the final four games of the 2025 season, it appears highly unlikely that the Jets will name Cook their QB2, meaning the competition is most likely down to Zappe and Klubnik.

Klubnik has been the storyline of the Jets’ rookie minicamp and OTA practices thus far. After training up for him in the fourth round of April’s NFL draft, it is certainly in play for him to be named the team’s QB2.

Much of the final result will hinge on preseason performances.