49ers' New Defensive Acquisition Could Make Starting Lineup for Week 1

The San Francisco 49ers have had to part ways with a few defensive backs over the last few months, namely cornerback Charvarius Ward and safety Talanoa Hufanga. As a result, the team could use someone to step up in a big way in 2025.

And that someone could be one of their new players that they signed this offseason.

Because of the injury to safety Malik Mustapha, Matt Barrows of The Athletic reports that the 49ers will likely be starting former New York Giant Jason Pinnock in the free safety spot to start the year against the Seattle Seahawks.

"Pinnock, of course, also knows Saleh’s and Boyer’s systems, making him a quick study this spring," Barrows wrote. "Because of that, he’s a frontrunner to start — perhaps next to (Ji'Ayir) Brown — in Week 1."

Pinnock is perhaps best known for getting an interception in the end zone and taking it 102 yards back to the house in Week 5 of the 2023 season against the Miami Dolphins. But he took on a different role in 2024 with the Giants.

He finished this past season with a solid 85 tackles and four tackles for loss, as he was used more as a strong safety. The Niners will likely put him at free safety, which he showed he could do in 2023 with a pair of interceptions and six pass deflections.

San Francisco is coming off of a very disappointing 6-11 season, so Pinnock will be looking to help the team bounce back and make it back to the playoffs in 2025.