Bengals agree to 2-year contract with former Ravens safety Geno Stone

The Cincinnati Bengals are adding to their secondary, agreeing to a two-year contract with safety Geno Stone.

NFL Network insider Ian Rapoport and ESPN insider Adam Schefter reported the deal on Monday afternoon. The Bengals officially confirmed the deal on Thursday.

According to Rapoport, Stone’s contract is worth $15 million over two years.

A former seventh-round pick in the 2020 NFL Draft out of Iowa by the Baltimore Ravens, Stone had a breakout season in 2023, his fourth with the organization.

After starting just eight games in his first three seasons combined, Stone earned 11 starts in 2023, with his seven interceptions ranked second in the NFL and first among safeties.

Stone also recorded 68 total tackles, including 44 solo tackles, as a key member of a Ravens defense that allowed the fewest points in the NFL last season.

With the reported addition of Stone to the lineup, the Bengals may choose to move third-year player Dax Hill into more of a hybrid role as a safety and cornerback. Hill started all 17 games last season for the Bengals, recording 110 total tackles and two interceptions.

Stone will join a Cincinnati safety group that also includes second-year player Jordan Battle, veteran Nick Scott and 2023 fifth-round pick Tycen Anderson.

Last year’s Bengals defense ranked 21st in the NFL in points allowed and 31st in the NFL in total yards allowed. The Bengals finished fourth in the AFC North division at 9-8, missing the playoffs for the first time since the 2020 season.