Bengals have no excuse not to replicate past free agency robbery

It's plays like these the Bengals were desperately missing from their safeties in 2023. Dax Hill and Nick Scott both underwhelmed handling deep zones despite having the athleticism to patrol between the numbers.

The Bengals may give up on Scott this offseason, but they won't do the same with Hill. Should they decide that the former first-round pick is better off playing close to the line of scrimmage, Stone makes for an ideal replacement to work the deep middle.  

A to Z Sports salary cap experts Josh Queipo and Kyle Dediminicantanio essentially said as much in projecting Stone's free agency outlook: 

"Stone will be a perfect compliment to a team that has a very good box safety that allows him to stay up top where he does his best work." - Josh Queipo and Kyle Dediminicantanio

What would it cost for Bengals to sign Geno Stone?

Much like Hilton was three years ago, Stone is an ideal fit for what the Bengals need, and signing him would hurt a division rival in the process. But what about the price? Hilton signed a four-year deal worth just $24 million, and a $6m average annual value ended up becoming a steal.

The salary cap in 2021 was $182.5 million. It's projected to be $242.5 million this year—a $60 million jump in three years! The deal Queipo and Kyle Dediminicantanio project Stone to land on the open market looks about the same as Hilton's, maybe even better, when factoring cap inflation:

Projected Contract: 3 years, $25.5 million, $8.5m APY, $12m GTD

There are certain attributes you must look for should the Bengals make a multi-year offer in free agency. The player is likely to be ascending, looking for his second contract, and has experience playing in big games.

Stone is coming off the first really good season of his career, and was a game away from the Super Bowl on top of multiple years playing in the AFC North. He's also not even 25 years old yet.

You can't find a more qualified fit.

The Bengals are likely to replace Scott this offseason with another veteran safety to work with Hill and Jordan Battle. The idea of leaving the position alone and hoping Hill works out is not wise after how disastrous last season went. They need to use him more to his strengths and allow a capable deep safety to handle those responsibilities.

Just like Hilton took over the slot three years ago, Stone can settle Cincinnati's issues at free safety for good.