Bengals’ Geno Stone addition a direct response to big-play problems on defense

The Bengals agreed to terms, according to multiple reports, with former Ravens safety Geno Stone on Monday to a two-year contract worth $15 million and a $6 million signing bonus.

Stone ranked 101st in Randy Mueller’s top 150 free agent rankings but was the first move of free agency for the Bengals.

He’s not yet 25 years old and an ascending player in the mid-tier of free agency, the exact type of player Cincinnati has enjoyed success with in the past.

How he fits

Stone will fit as the starting safety next to 2023 third-round pick Jordan Battle. The Bengals were adamant about needing to stop explosive plays and increasing the football intelligence in a young defensive backfield.

Stone excels in coverage, picking off seven passes last year and only allowing 0.30 yards per coverage snap, according to Pro Football Focus. He ranked seventh out of 104 qualifying safeties in coverage grade last year. Last year’s free agent safety, Nick Scott, ranked 104th.