Safety Geno Stone emerged as a vital element on the backend of the Ravens’ defense in 2023, boosting his free agent stock considerably in the process. His chances of holding down a full-time starting spot in Baltimore are murky, however, which could lead him elsewhere on the open market. 
Stone joined the Ravens as a seventh-round pick in 2020. His tenure included a trip to the waiver wire in his rookie season, and he was claimed by the Texans. The 24-year-old did not see any playing time in Houston, though, and he quickly found himself back with the Ravens. Stone logged eight starts between the 2021 and ’22 seasons, and his workload increased further this past season.
The Ravens declined to tender Stone as a restricted free agent last offseason, but they moved quickly in re-signing him to a one-year deal. That pact carried a cost of $1.76MM, and it proved to be a bargain. Stone saw a snap share of 82% in 2023, and he racked up seven interceptions, nine pass deflections and 68 tackles. Those career-high figures have upped his market value and proven his ability to handle first-team defensive duties.
Baltimore already has fellow safety Marcus Williams on the books through 2026, however. Many of Stone’s starts have come during the time Williams has missed due to injury, though the pair were used simultaneously under ex-defensive coordinator Mike Macdonald at times. Baltimore has fellow safety Kyle Hamilton on his rookie contract, although his versatility could allow the Ravens to use three-safety looks moving forward. In any case, Stone is seeking a full-time starting spot on his next contract, wherever it comes from.
“At the end of the day, Baltimore is always home, but business is business,” the Iowa alum said during an interview on NFL Total Access. “You know that being in this league this long. I’ve been through it all, especially my rookie year. I just want to be somewhere I’m appreciated, you know, who wants me and for me to be a starter, whatever it may be. I just want my value to be there.”
The Ravens currently have just over $5MM in cap space, but a number of impact defenders are set to hit the open market. That group is headlined by defensive tackle Justin Madubuike, who will likely receive the franchise tag in short order. Linebacker Patrick Queen is also a pending free agent, and he and Madubuike profile as higher offseason priorities who will be able to command a higher price once the new league year begins next month.
Given his one year of standout production, Stone will likely be hard-pressed to join the group of 14 safeties averaging at least $10MM per year on his next contract. He will no doubt see a substantial raise from his $4.9MM in career earnings, though, as he eyes a commitment as a first-teamer moving forward. Whether or not that comes from the Ravens will be worth watching as the offseason unfolds.
Buffalo may be a good fit if he wants a starting position on a playoff-caliber team if they can free up enough cap space to make it happen.
I could see it, given the recent developments on the back end. The cap is the Bills’ biggest priority at the moment, unfortunately.
It just got better with the much higher-than-expected 2024 cap number. They can eliminate their entire deficit with just two contract restructures and, if they can do something about Von Miller, that would free up a lot more.
It’s just one good year, and Stone benefitted from playing alongside two good safeties in some snaps. That year, however, was big. Those seven picks are a huge advantage for Stone in advertising his value. Hamilton is a big, strong tackler who can match up well with big receivers and tight ends, but you wouldn’t want to waste him purely as a big nickel and not utilize his full range.
That said, a good defensive coordinator could easily find a way to use all three in an innovative scheme. Would you pay those three guys all as high end starters, though? I don’t see that happening, even though it would allow Baltimore to let Queen walk if Hamilton takes on some of the snaps where a second linebacker would be in. Going smaller with three safeties instead of two linebackers could be a great move for Baltimore, but it seems more likely that Stone gets a starter deal in another city.
Stone will sign elsewhere, something like 3yrs for $9.5M. Ravens will find a “new” Geno Stone in the draft and hope Ar’Darius Washington stays healthy, or sign a veteran who’s also good on special teams.
What a (injury) bust Marcus Williams has been so far.
Bears
Stone is not a priority for Ravens. They will replace him for less cash. Stone will get paid elsewhere, say 2 years at $8M.
Will be telling if McDonald pushes for him to join him in Seattle. On paper, that’s not a defense far off from being good.