The San Francisco 49ers are ready to bounce back this season. They made some additions via free agency but didn't break the bank.
Back in March, the 49ers signed safety Jason Pinnock to a one-year, $2.2 million deal. They have a hole in that room after Talanoa Hufanga left in free agency to sign a three-year, $45 million deal with the Denver Broncos.
Malik Mustapha is still on the team, but is recovering from a torn ACL that he suffered in the regular season finale against the Arizona Cardinals. With him expected to miss the start of the season, Pinnock will see an increased amount of playing time.
Jason Pinnock Could Be a Steal for 49ers
Something that works in favor in his favor is that he's played in Robert Saleh's system as a rookie in 2021. He was selected in the fifth round of the 2021 NFL draft out of Pittsburgh. Pinnock came into the league as a cornerback and has converted over to safety.
The Jets ended up waiving him in August 2022 before joining the cross-town rivals Giants. In his time with Big Blue, he logged 37 starts (39 in his career). Over 58 career games, Pinnock secured 227 total tackles, 12 TFLs, 11 QB hits, 11 pass deflections, five forced fumbles, 6.5 sacks, and two picks.
He's finished with 85 total tackles and two sacks in back-to-back campaigns. The 26-year-old is a guy who excels around the line of scrimmage but may leave some things to be desired in coverage. Granted, adding him to the team for just $2.2 million may be a steal.
Jumping into a scheme where you're already familiar with the plays and verbiage is a major plus. Saleh could look to rely on him early in the season, and due to his starting experience in the NFL, the 49ers would feel comfortable trotting him onto the field.
That also allows Mustapha to ease his way back onto the field, which is another bonus for the Niners. Pinnock's $2.2 million contract is guaranteed, yet that's a small number in the grand scheme of things.
Training camp is around the corner, and it will allow Pinnock the chance to build off a strong spring.