Why Geno Stone Checks All Boxes for a Beleaguered, Burnt Cincinnati Bengals Defense – Grading the Move and Next Steps

CINCINNATI — The Cincinnati Bengals found their veteran safety on the first day of legal tampering, agreeing to terms with former Baltimore Raven Geno Stone, per a report from Bleacher Report’s Jordan Schultz.

Safety was one of the most likely positions Cincinnati was going to target in free agency after the struggles on the back end in 2023 led to the team giving up 96 explosive plays, the fourth most in the league.

Cincinnati Bengals Sign Familiar Safety Geno Stone

It’s a two-year, $15 million contract for Stone with a $6 million signing bonus, per a report from NFL Network’s Ian Rapoport.

#Ravens S Geno Stone is a BALL-HAWK!

The Iowa product picks off Geno Smith for his 6th INT of the season. 🤯#RavensFlock

pic.twitter.com/TBiJWCACbn

— Pro Football Network (@PFN365) November 5, 2023

Stone started a career-high 11 games for the Ravens in 2023 while posting career highs in interceptions (seven) and passes defended (nine).

One of those interceptions came in Week 2 when he baited Cincinnati quarterback Joe Burrow to throw a pass to Tee Higgins over the middle in the red zone, leading to Stone snaring the ball at the goal line.

Stone also had a career-high nine tackles in that Week 2 game at Paycor Stadium, a 27-24 Baltimore win.

A seventh-round pick in 2020, Stone primarily played on special teams during his first two seasons in the league. He started seven games in 2022 before taking on a bigger role in 2023.

Bengals defensive coordinator Lou Anarumo was asked about adding a veteran safety during the Combine in Indianapolis last month.

“That’s always a conversation that is ongoing,” Anarumo said. “As we know, that’s something that when things can go sideways a little bit — it usually starts back there with communication. The guys that have done it and have experience can always add to that.

“There’s a fine line with how it all fits. You start talking about veteran safeties, and, oh, by the way, the third safety has to play a lot of special teams. It’s a balancing act, but everything is open and on the table right now.”

Adding Stone puts some much-needed experience on the back end after Hill, Cincinnati’s first-round pick in 2022, struggled on the communication side of things during his first season as a starter.

Adding Stone gives the Bengals the flexibility to move Hill to cornerback, where he can lean into his excellent physical traits and just run and cover.

When reports surfaced of the Carolina Panthers releasing former Cincinnati safety Vonn Bell, it made for interesting speculation on whether the Bengals would have interest in a reunion, given how instrumental Bell was as a leader and communicator in the secondary.

Instead, the Bengals turn to a much younger safety with starting experience. Stone won’t turn 25 until next month, while Bell will turn 30 in December.

Grade: A

Stone always felt like one of the top targets, given his age, starting experience, and familiarity with the AFC North. And his ability to outsmart Burrow likely carried some weight as well.

The Bengals let Jessie Bates and Bell walk last season, not because they didn’t think they were great players but because they weren’t willing to invest that heavily in the position.

KEEP READING: 2024 NFL Free Agents by Position

The failings of the 2023 defense didn’t cause the front office to change its mind, but it did put a premium on adding some experience to the position.

Getting Stone for $7.5 million per year could end up being a bargain if he continues to play the way he did in 2023, when Pro Football Focus graded him as the No. 17 safety.

Geno Stone in 2023:

🐅 7 INTs
🐅 0.30 yards allowed per coverage snap pic.twitter.com/WbR7DA2eR5

— PFF CIN Bengals (@PFF_Bengals) March 11, 2024

Every move. Every team. Don’t miss a thing with PFN’s NFL Free Agency Tracker.