Geno Stone Reacts to Pay Cut as Bengals Eye Cap Space for Key Extension
As the Cincinnati Bengals enter offseason workouts with limited roster flexibility, all eyes are on the potential contract extension for edge rusher Trey Hendrickson. To create financial room, the team has begun making strategic moves—starting with safety Geno Stone.
Originally set to earn $6.475 million for the 2025 season, Stone agreed to a restructured one-year deal worth $4.9 million—a $1.575 million reduction. According to Over the Cap, $1.5 million of that salary is now guaranteed, which in Bengals terms effectively secures his spot on the roster for the year.
Stone’s performance in 2024 left much to be desired. Despite tallying four interceptions and 88 tackles, advanced metrics painted a different picture: he ranked 34th out of 37 qualifying safeties in overall defensive grade and dead last in run defense, per Pro Football Focus.
Stone acknowledged his struggles and owned up to his shortcomings during a media session:
“At the end of the day, I’m here and I’m going to give it my all wherever I am. That’s something I owe them. I signed here and I want to own what I do for this team. Honestly, I was upset with myself a lot last year. My early-season play just wasn’t good enough.”
While he considered declining the pay cut, Stone ultimately agreed—believing the move benefits the team and potentially helps clear space for Hendrickson’s expected deal.
“If the Bengals are making room, I assume it’s for Trey,” he said.
With the team counting on Stone to bounce back in 2025, his reduced salary comes with increased pressure. Should his performance remain stagnant, the cost to the Bengals could grow—not just financially, but on the field.
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