There were a lot of things that went wrong for the San Francisco 49ers in 2024. Coming off a Super Bowl appearance in 2023, the 49ers struggled to find the same formula the following year as they slumped to a 6-11 record.
With training camp just over one week away, the 49ers have had time to digest what happened. There were many shortcomings that led to their downfall, and those weaknesses could have gotten worse with several high-profile departures, including Deebo Samuel and Charvarius Ward.
But the 49ers may have found the answer to one of their problems and it’s a $2 million signing that has already begun to pay off.
Jason Pinnock Could Be 49ers' Best Bargain in 2025
The 49ers made a minor move when they signed safety Jason Pinnock to a one-year, $2.2 million contract last spring. The 26-year-old was a fifth-round pick by the New York Jets in the 2021 NFL Draft but spent the last three seasons with the New York Giants, appearing in 46 games and making 37 starts including 32 starts between the 2023 and 2024 seasons.
While Pinnock was on the field, he had variable results, posting a 67.8 overall grade in 2023 and a 54.5 overall grade in 2024 according to Pro Football Focus. But as someone who was hand-picked by new defensive coordinator Robert Saleh upon his arrival in the NFL, Pinnock comes to the 49ers with a specific purpose.
“[It’s about] getting the ball,” Pinnock told NBC Bay Area’s Matt Maiocco earlier this offseason. “I think I’ve shown I can pressure, I can tackle, good in space; I got to go show these attributes in my ball skills – you know, something that got me drafted, basically. Show people I’m a ball-hawk.”
This is music to the 49ers’ ears. San Francisco had a lot of deficiencies last season, but one of the biggest was their ability to create turnovers. Their 15.5% turnover rate ranked second in the NFL on their way to the Super Bowl in 2023, but that number dropped to 9% and ranked 21st during last year’s campaign.
More specifically, the 49ers would like to create more interceptions on the back end of their defense. San Francisco led the league with 22 interceptions and ranked second with a 3.5% interception rate in 2023. But those numbers also dropped to 11 interceptions (20th) and a 2.1% interception rate (19th) last season.
Pinnock only has two career interceptions, with both coming during the 2023 season. But despite being released by Saleh and the Jets following his rookie season, he feels like he has a great understanding of his scheme, which should help him acclimate to his new team.
“I wanted to go somewhere comfortable, man,” Pinnock said. “I’m comfortable in this system. I switched positions rookie year, and I’ve seen three different coordinators since then. I just wanted some continuity. [I have a] great relationship with Saleh – knew his system, loved his system, and I wanted to get back.”
If Pinnock can seize a starting role, it could be a bargain for the 49ers. Malik Mustapha is expected to miss the beginning of the year after suffering a torn ACL in the season finale and Pinnock’s presence already has him on track to fill in over fifth-round rookie Marques Sigle.
It’s another reclamation project that Saleh is using to try and revitalize the 49ers defense and it could come at a great cost of $2 million.