Why $1.4 Million Safety Will Break Out With Buffalo Bills

Considering he led all NFL safeties with seven interceptions in 2023, Buffalo Bills' new safety Geno Stone has largely flown under the radar during his first six pro seasons.

Despite starting every game for the Cincinnati Bengals over the past two years, Stone was able to find only modest money on the free agent market this offseason.

After adding Chauncey Gardner-Johnson to the defensive backfield, the Bills signed Stone to a one-year contract worth $1.4 million (per Spotrac). For perspective, there are more than 70 NFL safeties with higher average annual salaries than Buffalo's battle-tested addition.

Although the low-risk signing didn't require a substantial financial commitment from the Bills, they apparently envision Stone as much more than a training camp body.

Dec 28, 2025; Cincinnati, Ohio, USA; Cincinnati Bengals safety Geno Stone (22) attempts to stop a pass made by Arizona Cardinals quarterback Jacoby Brissett (7) | Frank Bowen IV-USA TODAY Network via Imagn Images

"Geno is a proven starter in the league, got a free agent deal a few years back. Has played in the AFC, so we're very familiar with him. Very good ball skills and instincts - those are probably the top-two things," said Bills' general manager Brandon Beane at the league meetings in Phoenix.

Stone, a 2020 seventh-round draft pick by the Baltimore Ravens, totaled six interceptions, returning two for touchdowns, over 34 starts for the Bengals in 2024 and 2025.

Chance to seize starting job

The Bills haven't been shy when it comes to their belief in 2024 second-round pick Cole Bishop, and they've also recognized the need to find a running mate to start alongside the versatile, young safety.

"We didn't go in saying we plan to add three safeties, but you're always looking for competition, versatility," said Beane.

Bringing in Gardner-Johnson and Stone from the outside, the Bills subsequently re-signed safety Damar Hamlin to a one-year contract. That means there are three players with starting experience presumably in the running to fill the spot next to Bishop.

While there's the thought that Gardner-Johnson would slide into the starting free safety role, his versatility may lead new defensive coordinator Jim Leonhard to use him in other ways such as a nickel cornerback. As a result, it shouldn't be surprising if Stone were to become a primary option for Buffalo at safety.

Geno Stone INT — Oct 1, 2023; Cleveland, Ohio, USA; Baltimore Ravens safety Geno Stone (26) celebrates after intercepting a pass in the first quarter against the Cleveland Browns | David Richard-Imagn Images

Breakout potential and leadership factor

Although he's coming off his first career 100-tackle season, Stone faced criticism for his lack of efficiency as a tackler.

He was charged with 26 missed tackles, but it was not enough to scare away Beane.

"The thing that probably was a little bit of downfall last year, he just had some tackling things. We talked about that. I don't think it's [a] 'want to' [issue]. It's just some technique things that we can work on and clean up. [He] adds another proven player [to the safeties group]," said Beane.

Confident in his abilities, Stone seemingly plans to bring leadership to the position group.

"They're gonna get a guy that's gonna compete everyday, a guy that's gonna be in the right spots at the right time, and a leader. Now, I'm seven years in the league. I feel like I've been around a lot to know what it takes to be a pro in this league and what it takes to win," said Stone, who consulted with retired Bills' safety Micah Hyde before signing with the Bills.

There appears to be a real possibility that Stone's best football is still ahead of him, and the Bills are in line to benefit.