Former Pitt DB Signs Free Agent Deal with 49ers

Former Pitt football defensive back Jason Pinnock is off to the West Coast after signing an NFL free agent deal with the San Francisco 49ers.

Pinnock, 25, signed a one-year deal Tuesday with San Francisco, according to Jordan Schultz of Fox Sports.

Sources: Former #Giants DB Jason Pinnock is finalizing a 1-year deal with the #49ers.

Still just 25 years old, Pinnock recorded 6.5 sacks, 11 PBUs and a pick-six during his tenure in New York. pic.twitter.com/gElIJqxiL3

— Jordan Schultz (@Schultz_Report) March 11, 2025

The converted safety spent the last three seasons with the New York Giants, who claimed Pinnock off waivers in 2022 from the New York Jets. He worked his way into a full-time starting role for the Giants and became a productive piece of their secondary.

This past season, Pinnock totaled 85 tackles (50 solo), three sacks and a pass defended. In 2023, the Windsor, Conn. native accumulated 85 tackles (59 solo), two sacks, two forced fumbles and two interceptions, one of which was returned of a 102-yard touchdowns.

Pinnock was drafted in 2021 by the Jets with the 175th overall pick in the fifth round and his 2024 cap hit with the Giants was $3.1 million.

The 6-foot, 200-pound talent spent four seasons with the Pitt Panthers as a cornerback a reliable cornerback with 19 career starts.

During his final season, he compiled 19 tackles, on tackle for loss, five pass breakups and three interceptions. Across 10 games as a junior, he totaled 16 tackles, seven pass breakups and an interception.

One of his most productive seasons in a Pitt uniform came during his sophomore season in 2018 as he played in 13 contests with six starts. He recorded 15 tackles, two tackles for loss, six pass breakups and two interceptions, which were tied for a team lead.

Pinnock joined the Panthers in 2017 as a true freshman serving primarily on special teams and as a reserve corer with four tackles, a fumble recovery and a pass breakup.

Several other former Pitt players in the pros have fetched new contracts this offseason with outside linebacker Patrick Jones II signing a two-year, $20 million deal with the Carolina Panthers, while the Denver Broncos tendered tight end Lucas Krull, who will earn $1.03 million next season.