Replacing Xavier McKinney could be a two-man job for the Giants.
The voice of leadership in the NFL’s youngest secondary could come from Jason Pinnock, who played 1,011 snaps next to McKinnie last season and is the oldest of the projected starters despite being in his fourth year as a pro.
The ball-winning skills could come from Dane Belton, who isn’t going to just pass up a much-needed opportunity to rookie Tyler Nubin.
“It’s a battle, but I’m confident in my abilities,” Belton said. “After last year’s competition, I feel like I deserve that spot, and I’m definitely going to go out there and earn that spot.”
General manager Joe Sean let three young safeties, who were teammates with him on rookie contracts in 2020-21, leave the team as free agents one after the other each offseason, allowing him to redirect spending to other positions.
Jabrill Peppers (Patriots), Julian Love (Seahawks) and McKinnie (Packers) all signed new contracts worth a combined $133 million in the past four months.
Sean acquired Pinnock on waivers from the Jets and drafted Belton in the fourth round in 2022 and Nubin in the second round in 2024.
To call this an overhaul is an understatement.
“I don’t see this as an individual filling. [McKinney’s] “I put my shoes on,” Pinnock says, “and I really see it as an opportunity to show the world Jason Pinnock.”
The Giants are implementing a new defensive line under coordinator Shane Bowen.
A zone-heavy, fake coverage scheme puts more demands on the safeties, not less.
“It’s a strain on us, but I like that strain,” said Pinnock, a former college cornerback. “It’s a defense that’s based on communication. As someone who’s changed positions, my study habits are probably a lot higher than the guys who’ve been playing forever. Not that they’re happy about it. It’s becoming second nature to me.”
Pinnock’s emergence and McKinney’s durability last season (he was one of three players in the league to play every snap) means there’s no room for Belton outside of a three-safety package.
When the opportunity arose, Belton produced All-Star-caliber ball production per snap, recording four interceptions, three fumble recoveries and one sack in 686 career defensive snaps.
How do these numbers extrapolate to the entire season?
“I know I can play,” Belton said. “The more opportunities I get, the more plays I can make, the more space I can play in. The more I play, the better I’ll get and the more opportunities I’ll have to play.”
Sure enough, with Nubin out with a calf injury, Belton ended Friday’s practice by intercepting a red-zone pass from Daniel Jones to Malik Neighbors.
He was ranked higher than Nubin in spring OTAs.
“I feel like I’ve earned the right to play more. [last year]”This year, I’m trying to get the job,” Belton said. “Things may change, they may not. It’s all about how you play. Whatever team you’re on, whether you’re first, second or third, as long as you play, it doesn’t matter. That’s my mindset.”
Pinnock and McKinney alternated between free safety and strong safety on each play.
Bowen’s plan is to maintain that versatility without a label, but there’s no denying Pinnock’s status as a safety is secure, so can he finally rest easy at some point?
“My dad coached me from the time I was 7 until I was 17, so I couldn’t breathe on the drive home,” Pinnock said. “You can’t breathe in this league, but you’ve got to love it. You can’t breathe until you’re a top safety.” [in the NFL]”I’m still competing against guys wearing different jerseys.”
To ensure he is as prepared as possible, Pinnock set up a gym at home during the off-season and has toned up his body, which he feels has made him “more explosive and resilient.”
“If it’s an outside challenge, that’s something I’ve always wanted,” Pinnock said. “Going back to 2021, I always felt like I was a diamond in the rough and I can’t thank this organization enough for believing in me and letting me show that I’m a selfless player and giving me that edge.” [expanding] “The role. It tells you, ‘You’ve earned it, go get it.’ That’s all a player can want.”
That’s all Belton wants right now.
“Nubes is a good guy and we’re teammates so we’re going to make the most of our opportunity,” he said. “Competing from top to bottom on the team is going to make everyone better.”
