Jason Pinnock has emerged as a significant player for the New York Giants, particularly stepping up after the departure of Julian Love. Here’s a breakdown of Pinnock’s profile and outlook for the upcoming season:
**Profile:**
– **Height:** 6-foot
– **Weight:** 200 lbs
– **Opening day age:** 25
– **Position:** Safety
– **Experience:** 3 years
– **Contract:** Final year of his rookie deal (four-year, $3,750,451 million)
– **2024 cap hit:** $3.116 million
– **Fully guaranteed:** $270,448 (none in 2024)
**Career to Date:**
– Pinnock was initially drafted by the New York Jets in the 5th round of the 2021 NFL Draft.
– The Giants claimed Pinnock off waivers from the Jets after his rookie year.
– In 2022, he played in 14 games with five starts and contributed on special teams.
– 2023 saw Pinnock start all 16 games, playing 95% of defensive snaps (1,011 snaps).
– He recorded 85 tackles (59 solo), two interceptions (including a 102-yard TD return), six passes defended, two forced fumbles, and two sacks.
– Pinnock had a respectable 74.8 passer rating against but also had a high missed tackle rate (13.7%), per Pro Football Focus.
**2024 Outlook:**
– With Xavier McKinney now with the Green Bay Packers, Pinnock’s role as a starter in the Giants’ defense is set to expand further.
– Potential starters alongside him include rookie Tyler Nubin or third-year player Dane Belton.
– Pinnock’s salary and cap charge for 2024 increased due to the Proven Performance Escalator program, reflecting his significant playing time and contributions.
– He will be a free agent after this season, making this year crucial for his future contract negotiations.
– Another strong season could position Pinnock well for a lucrative contract in free agency.
In summary, Jason Pinnock has proven himself as a capable starter and playmaker for the Giants’ defense. His ability to step into a larger role after McKinney’s departure will be pivotal for the team’s success in 2024, and his performance could dictate his future in terms of contract negotiations beyond this season.