Jason Pinnock Returns to Giants on One-Year Deal

Pinnock rejoins team after spending 2025 season with 49ers

Mar. 13, 2026 at 5:07pm

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Defensive back Jason Pinnock is re-signing with the New York Giants on a one-year contract, returning to the team he played for from 2022-2024. Pinnock spent the 2025 season with the San Francisco 49ers but will now rejoin the Giants under a new coaching staff led by head coach John Harbaugh.

Why it matters

Pinnock's return to the Giants comes as the team has undergone significant changes since he last played for them, including the departure of several key defensive players and the hiring of a new coaching staff. His experience and familiarity with the Giants' system could provide valuable depth and versatility to the secondary.

The details

Pinnock's contract is expected to count as a Veteran Salary Benefit, meaning he will make the minimum salary for a five-year veteran ($1.215 million) plus $167,500 in additional compensation, with a reduced figure counting toward the salary cap. He played in 46 games with 37 starts at safety for the Giants from 2022-2024 after being drafted as a cornerback by the Jets in 2021. Pinnock won a starting job with the 49ers out of training camp last season but was benched in Week 6 and appeared in all 17 games in a reserve role.

  • Pinnock played for the Giants from 2022-2024.
  • Pinnock spent the 2025 season with the 49ers.
  • Pinnock is re-signing with the Giants on a one-year contract in 2026.

The players

Jason Pinnock

A defensive back who played for the Giants from 2022-2024 and spent the 2025 season with the 49ers.

John Harbaugh

The new head coach of the Giants, hired in 2026.

Dennard Wilson

The new defensive coordinator of the Giants, hired in 2026.

Donald D'Alesio

The new secondary coach of the Giants, hired in 2026.

Jevon Holland

A safety who the Giants signed in free agency in 2025 to replace Pinnock.

Tyler Nubin

A rookie safety who learned from Pinnock in 2024.

Dane Belton

A safety who joined the Jets in free agency after playing for the Giants in 2024.

Ar'Darius Washington

A free agent signing by the Giants who will compete for a depth role in the secondary.

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What they’re saying

“A lot has changed since Pinnock played in 46 games with 37 starts at safety for the 2022-24 Giants, after he was a 2021 draft pick of the Jets as a cornerback.”

— Ryan Dunleavy, Author (nypost.com)

What’s next

The Giants will look to integrate Pinnock into their new defensive scheme under Harbaugh, Wilson, and D'Alesio, and determine how best to utilize his skills and experience within the secondary.

The takeaway

Pinnock's return to the Giants represents an opportunity for the veteran defensive back to contribute to a team in transition, as he looks to recapture the form that made him a valuable part of the Giants' secondary in recent seasons.