The Cincinnati Bengals once saw Geno Stone as a rising star, snatched from their AFC North rivals, the Baltimore Ravens. But instead of a defensive gem, they ended up with a player who struggled to deliver on the field.
After a stellar 2023 season with the Ravens, where he snagged seven interceptions, Stone joined the Bengals as a free agent. However, by his second year, the Bengals were already asking him to take a pay cut.
Now, the Buffalo Bills are taking a chance on Stone, signing him to a one-year deal. This move signals a fresh start for Stone, who had a rocky tenure in Cincinnati.
The Bills, however, aren't looking at him as a starter. He'll be competing for playing time with C.J.
Gardner-Johnson and promising second-year player Jordan Hancock. Meanwhile, their 2024 second-round pick, Cole Bishop, is expected to lock down one of the starting safety positions.
Joe Goodberry, a respected analyst, summed up Stone's stint with the Bengals succinctly. Stone managed to get his hands on the ball fairly often but struggled as a single-high safety.
His athleticism was below average, and he had issues with tackling and consistency. Despite these challenges, his experience and football IQ kept him on the field.
Supporting this assessment, Bengals defensive coordinator Al Golden's positive remarks about Stone were contrasted by some concerning statistics. Among safeties with over 525 snaps, Stone ranked second in missed tackles with 22 and was one of only two safeties without a forced incompletion for the season.
Stone's tackling issues were evident, and despite a reputation for solid coverage, he allowed a passer rating of 109.5 in 2025, according to Pro Football Focus.
As Stone heads to Buffalo, the financial details of his contract remain undisclosed, but it's likely close to the league's veteran minimum. At just 27, Stone still has time to turn things around and potentially secure a starting role elsewhere in the future.
The Bengals' decision to part ways with Stone was cemented when they signed Bryan Cook from the Kansas City Chiefs, signaling a commitment to revamping their defense. By acknowledging their misstep with Stone, the Bengals showed a willingness to improve, setting the stage for a stronger defensive unit in 2026.
As Stone embarks on this new chapter with the Bills, there's hope for a resurgence. Although his time in Cincinnati didn't pan out as expected, the door remains open for redemption and growth in Buffalo.